The HR Research Institute has formed the 2026 Managing and Leading Performance Advisory Board, bringing together industry leaders, HR practitioners, and performance management experts to guide research and events aimed at enhancing employee, team, and organizational performance. As companies increasingly focus on performance outcomes, this board will provide direction on evolving management practices, including the integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and streamlined processes to achieve optimal results.
The advisory board comprises distinguished professionals from various sectors, including Lauren Bidwell, Ph.D., of SAP SuccessFactors; Amanda Busfield, Senior Organizational Development Partner; Catarina Edlund of UN Women; Lena Finch of Allego; and Craig Friedman of St. Charles Consulting Group. Other members are Edie Goldberg of E.L. Goldberg & Associates, Kiara Graham of Workleap, Kimberly Hodge of MWM DesignGroup, Andrew Lane of George Mason University, Melissa Phillippi of Highspring, and Robrette Vaden of DC Courts. Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the board's role, stating, "Performance management isn’t just a process; it’s how organizations thrive. We’re thrilled to have these leaders on our advisory board to help HR professionals use modern strategies and technology to enhance performance reviews, foster employee growth, and drive business results."
This initiative is significant as it addresses the shifting landscape of human resources, where traditional performance review methods are being replaced by more dynamic, data-driven approaches. The board's guidance will help HR leaders navigate challenges such as remote work adaptation, employee engagement, and leveraging AI for talent development. For organizations, this means potential improvements in productivity, retention, and competitive advantage, while employees may benefit from more personalized growth opportunities and fairer evaluation systems.
The HR Research Institute, which publishes annual "State of the Industry" reports, will base its upcoming research on the board's insights, building on previous work like the HR.com's Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2025 report. These resources, available through HR.com's free membership, offer valuable data for over 2 million HR professionals worldwide. The formation of this advisory board underscores a broader industry trend toward evidence-based HR practices, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing business environment.
