Leading Well in 2026

In the early AD Roman Empire, as many commentators have noted, leaders and generals faced mutiny, entitlement, and demands from their young soldiers.  In Annals, Tacitus describes how, after Emperor Augustus died in 14 AD, “everything hit the fan”! (my words, but seems on point)

There was a mutiny; demands for higher pay, better retirement, better working conditions and treatment, and shorter working hours (25 years to 16 years).

The reality is that they felt taken advantage of.

So what did General Germanicus do? Cave to all the requests.  Not necessarily.  The costs were more than he could satisfy and keep the legion together.

He acknowledged their complaints.  He ferreted out the abusive middle managers and removed them.  He stood beside them and advocated for better pay and paid them from his own wages to ease their immediate financial concerns. 

Also, he did this.  He restored honor and loyalty by reinstating discipline without humiliation.  He gave the soldiers something to work for and displayed that he cared about them, their needs, emotional and physical.

Germanicus is credited with restoring a mission and purpose that far exceeded their short-term demands.  He reminded them they were the ROMAN EMPIRE LEGIONNAIRES.  They were the most potent fighting army in the world at the time.

ON REPEAT

I likely won't share any new revelations in the following few paragraphs; the previous excerpt was nothing new.  It's 2000 years old, yet it's a story that could be ripped from modern headlines.

“ACME Inc. Faces Workforce Pushback When Founder Dies” - New CEO, Gerry, revitalizes the manufacturing stalwart's legion of workers by leading with authenticity and candor. “He cares about us, he sees us, he knows what we are going through, and he reminded us why we love ACME so much,” a young line leader shared with the author.

I didn't even have to try very hard to make that up.  It's real.  So what can you do to lead well in 2026?  Follow the guidance of Germanicus in 14 AD, as my podcast guest Andrew Oxley reemphasized to me.

1. Leadership and Influence

As Andrew shared, "Leadership is more about influence. It's about understanding what somebody else needs and helping align their goals and the goals of the organization that you're leading." 

Influence is gained by having a clear vision that gives others a mission and a way to live out their purpose.  A leader who can then connect with others, inviting them to take part in something bigger than themselves, is influential.

2. Motivation of Younger Generations

The soldiers Germanicus led were young, likely in their early 20s, the age of our modern Gen Z and Millennials.  The challenges of millennia ago prove it's not new to be motivated more by mission and purpose than by financial incentives. We have the opportunity to do as Germanius did, acknowledge financial needs, but don't rest there or expect that to be enough.  Leaders need to engage younger workers differently, focusing on meaningful work and personal growth, because that is what they are asking for!

3. Connection and Communication

The quality of leadership is directly tied to the quality of relationships and communication. Germanicus proved this by acknowledging the wants and desires of the young soldiers.  He didn't chastise them or discount their needs.  He made their needs his needs.  He connected with them, essentially saying, “I see you, and I'm with you”. 

Leaders must connect with their teams genuinely, showing care and understanding to inspire and motivate effectively.  It worked 2000 years ago and will work again in 2026.

Looking for a way to work through how to make Influence, Connection, and Leading Well in 2026.  Join me for a free workshop on Jan 7th.

Did you catch this podcast? If not, listen to it here.