1、LEADERSHIPSKILLS 2026 REPORT|Research and Insights by Joe Folkman and Jack Z|801-705-9375|Contents1234AI Raises the BarLeadership Developmentis Non-Negotiable AI Provides InformationLeaders Make DecisionsEmployee Experience ThatUnlocks Discretionary EffortControl,Influence,andPsychological Safety at
2、 WorkIntroductionArtificial intelligence is rapidly changing how work gets done.And yet,asorganizations invest heavily in AI and new technology,many initiatives still fail.The reason isnt technical.Its leadership.AI can process information at scale,but it cannot replace judgment,trust,orcommitment.I
3、t doesnt decide what matters most.It doesnt inspire people tostretch,collaborate,or take ownership.And it cannot create the conditionswhere people choose to give their best effort.As we move into 2026,leadership has become morenot lesscritical.This is not a list of trendy skills or speculative predi
4、ctions.Its a research-driven look at the leadership behaviors that most strongly predict performancein a world shaped by AI,uncertainty,and constant change.This report integrates:Zenger Folkman research published in 2025.Data from hundreds of thousands of leaders and direct reports.Emerging themes f
5、rom HR and workforce reports shaping 2026 priorities.The goal is simple:identify the leadership capabilities that consistently produceresults,regardless of role,industry,or leadership style.There is no single best leadership style.What separates exceptional leaders arethe behaviors that consistently
6、 increase effectiveness.In an AI-powered world,those human-centered behaviors become the ultimate differentiator.Jack Zenger and Joe F|801-705-9375|AI can scale information.It cannot scale trust,judgment,or commitment.AsAI adoption accelerates,organizations will win or lose based on whetherleaders c