For HR developers

Leadership under pressure

What leadership actually achieves today – and where leadership development can realistically begin:

The Leadership Study 2026 shows how managers experience constant change – and where human resources development often assesses the level of development, stress, and effectiveness of learning differently. A sound basis for decision-making for all those who do not want to idealize leadership, but rather shape it effectively.

Download exclusive study
93%

of the HR developers surveyed HR developers leadership as being in a state of constant change—not as a transitional phase, but as a stable context.

95%

HR developers a high level of stress among managers—often earlier and more pronounced than leadership itself.

40%

The L&D managers surveyed are more cautious in their assessment of the current level of development of managers in key future areas.

Experiences of managers and HR developers

Voices from the Leadership Study 2026

Support is not only provided on an individual basis

"On the one hand, my team and my supervisor give me support and stability. On the other hand, so does my family, with whom I consciously take time off."

Voice of a surveyed executive

Learning as a prerequisite for leadership

"I think digital literacy is becoming increasingly important. Leaders need to understand technology in order to guide teams safely through change."

Voice of one HR developer surveyed

Stabilize leadership through clarity

"Above all, clear communication, transparent decisions, and reliable framework conditions give managers stability."

Voice of one HR developer surveyed

Relief through joint decisions

"Joint decisions reduce stress levels because everyone feels involved and responsibility is shared among several people."

Voice of a surveyed executive

Structure as a factor of stability

"Currently, I find the clear structure of our processes to be the most helpful. They give me confidence because I know that decisions are transparent and my team can trust them."

Voice of a surveyed executive

Exclusive Leadership Study 2026

Realistically assessing leadership in times of change

Leadership is under constant pressure to change – but where are the effective levers for leadership development today – and where are they not?
The Leadership Study 2026 provides reliable insights into everyday leadership under high pressure and supports L&D in classifying development needs realistically, based on data and beyond idealized leadership images.

The study helps you:

  • Understanding the pressure, stress, and learning reality of leadership in everyday life based on facts

  • Systematically classify differences between self-perception and external perception of leadership

  • Derive relevant starting points for effective leadership development

Download the study and gain a sound basis for decision-making regarding your leadership development.

Exclusively for PE. Free of charge. Direct download.