For the 1st time in modern HR history, #AI is being seen as a viable alternative to human talent — not just a tool to support it 🚨
That is one of four seismic shifts Gartner has just identified in its 2026 Top Priorities for CHROs, drawn from 426 CHROs across 23 industries and 4 regions
The other three should give every board and CHRO pause👇🏼
🔻 AI is triggering existential questions about the future of HR itself
🔻 Organisations are walking a growth-efficiency tightrope
🔻 The employment deal is shifting to "give more, expect less"
Against that backdrop, Gartner sets out four priorities that will define the next 12 months for CHROs 🎯
1️⃣ Harness AI to revolutionise HR
Evolving the HR operating model is the single highest-impact move, driving 29% of predicted AI productivity gains. Gartner's model reshapes the function into four pods: an HR innovation command, strategic talent leaders (the new HRBP), custom HR product designers (the new COEs), and digital HR solutions and delivery (where AI agents run most Tier 0 and Tier 1 work)
2️⃣ Shape work in the human-machine era
CHROs must build a "now-next" talent strategy across four human-AI scenarios — from "humans want AI to do the work" through to "humans want to do the work with AI." Without this clarity, credibility with the C-suite erodes fast
3️⃣ Mobilise leaders for growth in an uncertain world
Leaders today must routinise change, not just inspire it. When change becomes instinctive in daily work, organisations see a 3x higher probability of healthy change adoption. Think. Feel. Do 🧠❤️⚡
4️⃣ Address culture atrophy to power performance
Organisations that embed culture into day-to-day work see up to a 34% increase in employee performance. Understand values. Know behaviours. Evaluate processes. That is the loop
The uncomfortable truth 💡
The CHRO role is being rewritten in real time. The functions that thrive in 2026 will not look like the functions that entered it
📌 A question for Chairs, Boards and CHROs:
Of Gartner's four priorities, which one is your HR function genuinely ready for — and which one keeps you up at night?
📣 But don't take my word for it, take it from a recent VP HR coaching client of mine:
💬 "I have greatly benefitted from Navid’s coaching & would describe his coaching approach to be an effective mix of professionalism & empathy that is focussed on achieving results. The feedback that I have received as a result of our coaching is outstanding. I’d highly recommend Navid to any Executive who is looking to maximise their leadership impact"
#CHRO2026 #FutureOfHR #TransitionIQ
About Navid Nazemian
Ranked as the world’s #1 Executive Coach by CEO Today for the third year running, I partner with senior leaders to navigate complexity, accelerate performance, and lead through critical transitions. Over the past two decades, I’ve supported hundreds of executives in overcoming unproductive thinking and solving their most complex leadership challenges—helping their organizations build world-class cultures and create lasting value.
If you’d like to reflect on a leadership challenge, an upcoming transition, or how I might support you, you’re very welcome to reply directly to this email.
You can also:
1. Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional leadership insights
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3. Enrol in my newly launched e-Learning programme Mastering Leadership Transitions - my transition methodology in a self-paced format for leaders at every level
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What's Next? More insights on leadership, transitions, and executive effectiveness are coming your way next week. I’d genuinely value your perspective—feel free to share your reflections by replying to this email. I read every response.
Navid
