The Largest Study of Its Kind

The Global Leadership Forecast series is the longest-running global study of leadership aimed at understanding current and future leadership best practices. The Global Leadership Forecast 2027 is DDI’s 12th installment since the research began in 1999.

This year’s research draws on responses from 11,395 leaders and 2,519 HR professionals across 1,900+ organizations. Conducted from April through August 2026, the study spans more than 50 countries and 24 major industry sectors. Together, the research represents approximately 26.4 million data points on leadership, providing an expansive view of the forces shaping leaders and organizations around the world.

The research examines the challenges leaders face today, the pressures shaping HR’s priorities, and how organizations are building the leadership capabilities and pipelines they’ll need for the future. The full set of leader demographics is depicted below.

Authors

• Rosey Rhyne

  Manager, Center for Analytics and Behavioral Research

• Elsheba Abraham, Ph.D.

  Senior Behavioral Insights Consultant, Center for Analytics and Behavioral Research

• Tacy M. Byham, Ph.D.

  Chief Executive Officer

• Kevin Tamanini, Ph.D.

  Vice President, Professional Services

• Verity Creedy

  Vice President, Product Management

Acknowledgements

Stakeholders

• Joe Sillner

• Mark Smedley

• Meagan Aaron

Research Advisor

• Kelly Caruso

Editorial

• Rachel Friedrick

• Caroline Shannon

Graphic/Web Design

• Stacy Infantozzi

• Megan Orsi

• Josh Aggas