ExecutiveEDGE February 2026: Overhauling workforce development, getting performance goals right and how to nail CEO-COO alignment

Welcome to our February recap of ExecutiveEDGE, the EndeavorB2B newsletter that helps leaders make informed decisions by giving them a macro view of what’s essential and a micro focus on key takeaways and actionable steps.

A lot of our attention during the month went toward workforce issues on both the macro and micro levels. We started by looking into EBI’s survey about professionals’ top 2026 priorities, which featured the big takeaway that people are very focused on working smarter and not running the rat race of years gone by—and that’s the case for owners and executives just as much as the folks working for them. But we also looked at how people’s engagement with their work is slipping; the imperative there is to push on with evergreen efforts focused on recognition, appreciation and the creation of a culture where everyone feels invested. On a similar note, we outlined five fixes for performance goals.

On the skills side of things, we presented an approach to self-directed development that helps people keep up with the changing nature of their jobs. And we zoomed way out to focus on how we as a country approach workforce development, particularly for in-demand positions where we’ve been short for years. In short: The talent alarm bell is ringing and skilled training desperately needs a massive revamp.

Elsewhere during the month’s lineup, you’ll also find some takeaways from fourth-quarter earnings season—are some C-suites unwilling to believe the better economic data that’s been surfacing?—and detailed how CEOs and COOs can build and maintain strong alignment.

You can check out all those newsletter and learn more about ExecutiveEDGE—as well as subscribe, of course—right here.