Every year, I believe it’s important to pause and conduct an End-of-Year Review — to take stock of what’s been achieved, reflect on whether we’re on the right path, and consciously decide what we want the year ahead to look like.
This year, that reflection has felt more important than ever.
From Passengers to Pilots
As leaders, I believe our role is to move people from being Passengers to becoming Pilots.
Passengers wait to be told what to do. Pilots understand the controls, read the instruments, and take responsibility for navigating through changing conditions.
As AI becomes more embedded in our day-to-day work, this distinction matters. AI doesn’t remove the need for leadership, judgment, or accountability — it amplifies it. In 2026, many organizations will need to focus deliberately on change management, ensuring their people have the mindset and systems to manage both themselves and AI effectively.
Earlier this year, we explored this through Kotter’s 8‑Step Change Management Model, reinforcing that sustainable change doesn’t happen by accident — it happens when people are guided, supported, and held accountable through clear systems.
What We Delivered in Way We Do in 2025
2025 has been a year of meaningful progress inside Way We Do. Not flashy change for the sake of it — but thoughtful improvements that strengthen accountability, visibility, and usability across real operational workflows.
Some highlights include:
- The ability to remove inactive collaborators once added, and to select which collaborator is responsible for which role within an Activated Checklist workflow instance
- @mention functionality, allowing direct communication with collaborators inside checklist comments and reviewers within review comments
- User avatars added to Activated Checklist workflow steps for greater clarity and human connection
- Visibility for non-admin users to view checklist instance reports for processes they’ve collaborated on
- Activated Checklist Instance viewers, enabling non-collaborators (who aren’t admins) to still see workflow progress
- Upgraded Revision Schedules (replacing Revision Reminders), retaining assessment outcomes and introducing a Revision Assessment Report
- SOPs now included directly within quizzes
- The introduction of Sub-processes for more modular, scalable system design
- Revised reporting to significantly improve searchability and downloading of activity data
Each of these enhancements was driven by a simple goal: making it easier for organizations to create certainty, consistency, and clarity, especially in environments where compliance and accountability truly matter.
Recognizing the People Behind the Systems
I want to recognize the incredible work of the Way We Do team this year. Building software that genuinely supports how organizations operate is never just about features — it’s about empathy, discipline, and care for the people who rely on those systems every day.
I also want to acknowledge our customers. The real impact of Way We Do doesn’t come from what we build — it comes from how you implement it inside your organizations to manage risk, scale operations, and improve the way work gets done.
Way We Do is more than a platform. It creates lasting impact by embedding accountability and enabling real, sustainable change.
Leadership, Accountability, and the Shadow We Cast
In November, Mary Kennedy Thompson spoke about a powerful idea: as leaders, we cast a shadow that others can see — even though we can’t see it ourselves. And that leaders ultimately have the followers they deserve.
It’s a reminder that systems don’t replace leadership — they reveal it. The way we design processes, respond to challenges, and hold ourselves accountable shapes the culture around us, whether we intend it or not.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We’re genuinely excited about what’s coming next.
We’re currently working on two major features, scheduled for delivery in Q1 2026, incorporating AI capability. These will make it easier than ever for organizations to implement, maintain, and evolve their Management Systems — without losing control, clarity, or human oversight.
AI will continue to accelerate tasks. Strong systems will continue to guide decisions.
Questions Worth Asking
As we head into the new year, I encourage you — as leaders — to take time to reflect:
- What went well in your business this year?
- What leadership actions contributed to those wins?
- What were your biggest challenges?
- What did you learn about yourself as a leader?
These questions don’t just close out a year — they help you design the next one.
When leaders take the time to reflect honestly, they move from reacting to circumstances to intentionally piloting what comes next — for themselves, their teams, and their organizations.
Have a wonderful holiday season
To our customers and extended community: thank you for trusting us, challenging us, and building alongside us.
We wish you a wonderful holiday season and time to truly rest and reconnect with the people who matter most. After all, we work to create a home life we love and cherish — not simply to live to work.
Here’s to 2026, and to building organizations where people are confident pilots — not passive passengers.
