This Week in Leadership (Jan 12 - Jan 18)

Why some leaders are more assertive in January than other times of year. Plus, moving from "toying" to working with AI.

January 16, 2026

Why are some leaders more aggressive during January than other times of the year? Will a Supreme Court decision on US tariffs solve anything? Plus, how to go from "toying" to working with AI. Here are some recent articles by Korn Ferry's content team on leadership-related news.

‘Let’s Jump on This!’ The January Leadership Blitz

Assertive leadership is everywhere this month, as type-A managers hit the floor running and bombard teams with initiatives. Is it overkill?

The Great Tariff Decision

A pending Supreme Court ruling on US tariffs is supposed to resolve a trillion-dollar issue. But will it?

Buy Now, Regret Later?

Some 45% all consumers planned to use “buy now, pay later” loans for holiday shopping. Why the jump in these plans may backfire on retailers down the road.

5 Ways to Move from ‘Toying’ to Working with AI

The “testing-the-tech” honeymoon period is over: Bosses now expect ingenuity and new workflows using AI.

Less Noise, More Plan

Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison says that making progress in the current job market requires a sound strategy.