Your Word for 2026: A Simple Practice With Powerful Impact

Sometimes the most effective leadership tools are also the simplest. One such tool is choosing a single word to guide your leadership for the year.

Your leadership word is not a slogan—it is a lens. It helps clarify how you want to show up, what behaviors you need to strengthen, and where you must be more intentional.

Choosing Your Leadership Word

Words leaders often choose include:

• Clarity

• Courage

• Consistency

• Accountability

• Growth

• Excellence

The power is not in the word itself, but in the behaviors it drives.

Ask yourself:

• Why does this word matter now?

• What must change for this word to become visible?

• How will my team experience this word in action?

From Intention to Impact

A leadership word becomes meaningful only when paired with action. If your word is clarity, are you setting and reinforcing expectations? If it is growth, are you prioritizing development conversations?

We encourage leaders to revisit their leadership word quarterly and assess alignment between intention and behavior.

Clarity fuels consistency. Consistency builds trust. Trust sustains excellence.