Editor’s Note: This article is part of our “L&D Reflections” series, where learning leaders share what they’ve learned over the past year and how those insights are shaping their work.
2025 was the year it felt like everyone was talking about artificial intelligence (AI). Most industry articles I read were about AI and, in my own company, we were tasked with incorporating it into our everyday work. Every tool we use gained an AI feature, and that was something we looked for as we added several new technologies to our processes. Although we did succeed in adding AI to our learning and development (L&D) processes and gained some new efficiencies because of it, the biggest lesson I learned this year had nothing to do with technology. What really struck me was that, as always, the most significant factor in my work was still relationships.
How Relationships Impact Outcomes
No matter what new technologies were out there, what made a project run smoothly was the strength of the relationships between people working on it. Some of my cross-functional relationships have grown and strengthened over years of working together. We approached projects with listening, understanding and trust. These projects ran smoothly and developed outcomes that would not have been possible working alone. When the relationships were right, the atmosphere was empowering and positive, and I would start work excitedly each day.
There was also a team that merged with our organization this year, and we all failed to do the groundwork of building a strong relationship before launching into a complex project. Misunderstandings, repeated work and frustrations over ownership ensued. There was stress for everyone and balls were dropped. These issues could have been avoided with a better interpersonal foundation, and we all learned that working with any new team goes so much better after taking the time to understand each other first.
With my own team, when I had one-on-ones where I asked questions and really heard my teammates’ answers, I felt inspired and connected — and projects thrived. Focusing on “seeing” my teammates for who they were created a culture where everyone was more motivated and innovative. Our teamwork and collaboration improved, making it possible to take time off without worrying.
There were times this year when I still reverted to “get it done mode” and failed to gather the perspectives of others. In these times, I felt more stressed and the outcomes lost some of their potential. I checked the box to solve problems rather than thinking strategically and creatively about solutions. Here’s what I’m reminding myself to ask to correct this moving forward:
- Am I asking questions?
- Am I listening?
- Am I getting input and collaboration?
- Are we supporting each other?
Shifting the focus from what needs to get done to the relationships involved continues to pay off.
Make People a Priority in 2026
This year everyone might be talking about AI: how to use it and what it means. We might be spending a significant amount of time vetting new technologies or trying to do more with the ones we already have. But people remain the crucial factor in success. I recommend that all leaders take care not to lose sight of the importance of their relationships and continue to invest time and energy in them.
In your team and the teams you work with, reach out and spend time with others. Ask questions and understand their perspectives. Understand what motivates them, what they are worried about and what you might be able to help with. How do others see their role in the company and what is their pulse check on the culture? New technologies and trends will come and go, but building relationships based on trust, authenticity and empathy is the timeless factor in long-term success.
As you reflect on your own learning journey, explore how the Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) program can help you grow the skills you need to lead training with confidence.
