Managers entering 2026 are increasingly results-driven when it comes to strategic planning. Vision matters, but execution and measurable outcomes matter more. Leaders expect HR and Finance to demonstrate how planning initiatives directly impact performance, profitability, and retention.
From an HR perspective, managers want clearer workforce metrics tied to business outcomes—turnover costs, time-to-productivity, and leadership readiness. Financial leaders are expected to translate
these metrics into budget forecasts and ROI-driven investment decisions.
The shared hope is that strategic planning becomes a practical management tool rather than a theoretical framework. Managers want plans that drive accountability, support data-informed decisions, and clearly show progress toward organizational goals.
