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Key Takeaways Think big, not incremental. Focusing solely on the short term could come at the expense of long-term success.
Integrate external trends strategically. Have a clear plan before you experiment with trends.
Communicate mission, vision and values relentlessly. Effective communication is constant, clear and specific.
Balance growth ambitions with focused investment, and prioritize the metrics that truly matter.
As CEOs plan for 2026, uncertainty and rapid change can make it easy to get stuck in incremental thinking. From persistent economic volatility to shifting workforce expectations and the acceleration of AI adoption, many business leaders are defaulting to caution. CEOs lean toward playing it safe and can be hesitant to make big moves.
Caution is understandable, as the past few years have been unpredictable. However, that mindset can be dangerous. Incremental progress might feel secure, but it rarely leads to real growth. Now is the time to think big — to revisit the long-term vision and ensure every part of the strategy supports it.
Below are five considerations for best-in-class leaders as they map out their strategic plans for 2026 and beyond:
Related: Strategic Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Complex — This Simple, 3-Part Framework Delivers Faster Results
1. Think big, not incremental
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