The start of a new year always brings a sense of possibility. In 2026, it also brings pressure.

AI is no longer something talent leaders are evaluating from a distance. It is already shaping how work gets done. Expectations have shifted, not because of a single tool or moment, but because AI is now part of the everyday operating environment.

That makes early 2026 an important window. The priorities you set now will influence how confidently your organization navigates what comes next.

This is not about predicting the future. It is about focusing on the fundamentals that matter most right now.

Why Early 2026 Matters More Than It Seems

In many organizations, the tone for the year is set early. Leaders pay attention to what gets discussed, what gets measured and what gets supported.

For talent teams, this means the first few months of 2026 are less about perfect plans and more about clear signals. What are we prioritizing. What do we expect of managers. How do we want employees to feel about using AI in their work.

Waiting until later in the year to answer those questions creates uncertainty. Addressing them early builds confidence, even if the answers continue to evolve.

Focus on Confidence, Not Just Access

Most organizations already provide some level of access to AI tools. Fewer organizations are confident their people know how to use them well.

Early in 2026, talent leaders should pay close attention to confidence. Do employees understand when AI is appropriate? Do they know how to evaluate outputs? Do they feel supported when they have questions?

Confidence does not come from a single training session. It comes from clarity, practice and reinforcement over time.

Prepare Managers Before You Ask More of Them

Managers sit at the center of AI adoption, whether they feel ready or not.

Employees look to managers for guidance on expectations, quality and accountability. If managers are unsure how AI fits into performance conversations or decision-making, that uncertainty spreads quickly.

Early 2026 is a good time to assess manager readiness. What do they understand? Where do they feel hesitant? What support would help them lead more confidently?

This is not about turning managers into AI experts. It’s about giving them enough clarity to coach, guide and set expectations.

Set Clear Expectations for AI Use

One of the biggest sources of anxiety around AI is ambiguity.

Employees want to know what is acceptable, what is encouraged and where human judgment still matters most. Leaders want to know how decisions will be evaluated.

Clear expectations reduce hesitation and prevent inconsistent use. They also reinforce trust by showing that AI adoption is being guided thoughtfully, not left to chance.

These expectations do not need to be perfect. They do need to be visible.

Look for Early Signals of Impact

It’s tempting to delay measurement until everything feels settled. In practice, that often means measurement never quite happens.

Early in the year, focus on simple signals. Are people using AI with more confidence? Are managers having better conversations about quality and outcomes? Are teams saving time in meaningful ways?

These signals help talent leaders tell a clear story, even before formal metrics are in place.

What Not to Do

As you set priorities for early 2026, it helps to be clear about what to avoid.

Do not chase tools simply because they are new.
Do not wait for complete certainty before acting.
Do not assume confidence will develop on its own.

Intentional leadership matters more than perfect plans.

Moving Forward With Purpose

Early 2026 is not about solving everything. It is about establishing direction.

Talent leaders who focus on confidence, clarity and capability now will be better positioned to respond as expectations continue to rise. Those who wait risk playing catch-up in an environment that is already moving quickly.

This is the work of leadership, not experimentation. And it starts now.

If you’re thinking through how to lead AI adoption with clarity and confidence this year, Talent in the Age of AI offers ongoing insights, frameworks and resources to support what comes next. Become a member today.