"Top 10" New Year's Resolutions for Leaders for 2026

Esteemed leadership expert (and my friend) Eric Jacobson wrote a post in December 2023 entitled, "70 New Year's Resolutions for Leaders." During January 2024, I chose ten from the list and featured them in a post, and then again, in January 2025, I chose another ten and featured them in a post. 

Since Eric's list included 70 resolutions, and New Year's resolutions are on many people's minds this month, I thought I'd revisit Eric's post and choose my "Top 10" New Year's Resolutions for Leaders for 2026. With much applause to Eric, here we go:

[1] Reward how a performance is achieved and not only the performance.

[2] Say "thank you" and sincerely mean it.

[3] Follow through when you promise to do something.

[4] Hire to complement, not to duplicate.

[5] Share bad news, not only good news.

[6] Start meetings on time.

[7] Support mentoring - both informal and formal mentoring.

[8] Don't delay tough conversations.

[9] Have an open door policy.

[10] Do annual written performance appraisals.

And because I've been a passionate reader my entire life, I will repeat (and always include) this annual resolution: "Read leadership books to continue your leadership journey." Don't forget to read works of fiction because they ALSO contain important leadership lessons.

Lastly, here's one of Eric's favorite quotes from a previous appearance on my blog:

SHARE THIS: Leaders are measured by the caliber of leaders they develop, not the caliber of their own leadership. ~John C. Maxell via @EricJacobsonKC #DebbieLaskeysBlog

What are your New Year's resolutions to improve your leadership skills during 2026? Chime in and share.

And lastly, mark your calendar to swing by my blog on February 20th because Eric will join me in celebrating National Leadership Day.

Image Credit: iStock.

Here's the link to Eric's original post. Print it and frame it on your wall!

https://ericjacobsononmanagement.blogspot.com/2023/12/70-new-years-resolutions-for-leaders.html

Read my "Top 10" New Year's Resolutions for Leaders for 2025 (January 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/01/top-10-new-years-resolutions-for.html

Read my "Top 10" New Year's Resolutions for Leaders for 2024 (January 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/01/top-10-new-years-resolutions-for-leaders.html

Read Eric's last appearance on my blog, SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 (March 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/03/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_01077719335.html