Why This Matters Now: The Urgency of Leadership in 2026

allynitschke
Sep 23
3 min read

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Surely things will settle down soon,” I’ve got news for you: they won’t.

The workplace isn’t just changing, it’s transforming. AI, hybrid work, burnout, generational shifts, and rising expectations are colliding to create a level of complexity we’ve never seen before. And here’s the kicker: leadership is the deciding factor in whether organisations survive or thrive in this environment.

The Leadership Gap

Right now, too many organisations are suffering from what I call “busyness without progress.” Teams are working harder than ever, yet momentum stalls. Leaders are drowning in back-to-back meetings, firefighting instead of leading, and mistaking motion for achievement.

The result? Disengagement, burnout, and costly churn. Globally, only 21% of employees are engaged at work, costing the economy hundreds of billions in lost productivity (Gallup). In Australia, 46% of workers report burnout symptoms, with psychological injury claims costing three times more than physical ones (Safe Work Australia).

This isn’t a future problem. It’s happening now.

The AI Factor

At the same time, AI is rewriting the rules of work. By 2026, 76% of organisations globally will have adopted AI, with PwC predicting it could boost global GDP by 15% by 2035.

Here’s the leadership challenge: AI doesn’t automatically make things easier. If anything, it raises the bar. Leaders who fail to adapt risk accelerating disengagement and fear. Leaders who lean in and learn can free their people to focus on higher-value work, connection, and creativity.

The difference is not the technology, it’s the leadership.

Why 2026 is the Tipping Point

We’re at a crossroads. The next 12–24 months will set the tone for the next decade of work.

Generational expectations are shifting: younger workers won’t tolerate “hustle culture” or leaders who ignore wellbeing.
AI adoption is exploding: leaders need to rapidly build literacy and trust.
Burnout is surging: the cost of doing nothing will be felt in performance, profit, and reputation.

In other words: the urgency is real. The longer leaders wait to adapt, the harder it will be to catch up.

What Courageous Leadership Looks Like Now

So, what’s required of leaders in 2026? It comes down to three things:

Clarity – Cut through the noise. Set priorities and give people a reason to care.
Connection – Lead with humanity. Build trust, foster belonging, and communicate openly.
Courage – Step up, even when the answers aren’t clear. Hold people (and yourself) accountable, and don’t shy away from tough conversations.

These aren’t “soft skills.” They’re survival skills.

Final Thought

Leadership in the past was about authority and control. Leadership in the future will be about presence, adaptability, and courage.

And the urgency isn’t five years from now, it’s here today.

So ask yourself: what kind of leader will you choose to be in 2026?

Because the future of work won’t wait, and neither will your people.

If you would like to book in a time to speak with Ally: CLICK HERE.

Ally Nitschke is a best-selling Author, an award-winning Thought Leader and Speaker. She has been working with leaders and as a Leader for over 20 years.

She is on a mission to change the way we communicate at work, to lean into those uncomfortable conversations and lead with courage.

Ally is a Keynote Speaker at conferences, delivers Transformational Programs & highly engaging workshops as well as provides Executive Coaching.