A light hearted look at leading in a fire horse year
Happy Lunar New Year 2026!
Lunar New Year always brings a sense of renewal, but 2026 arrives with a particular kind of spark. The unmistakable, fast moving energy of the Fire Horse. This rare combination only comes around every 60 years and is known for intensity, momentum, and the kind of fiery dynamism that can feel like progress and chaos arriving in the same breath
Some traditions describe the Fire Horse year as one where ambition accelerates, structures wobble, and systems reveal their fault lines. Others frame it as a period of breakthroughs. Bold, catalytic, and impossible to ignore. Either way, it’s a year that rewards leaders who can ride the momentum without being consumed by it
So in the spirit of cultural celebration, leadership reflection, and a gentle wink at the cosmic drama ahead, here is a light hearted zodiac inspired look at navigating people, politics, and organisational complexity in 2026
It’s not a framework. It’s not a diagnostic. It’s just a playful lens to take as you celebrate this Lunar New Year with colleagues, friends, and family, and a reminder that even in the most serious work a little levity sharpens perspective
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, reimagined for modern leadership
The rat: a strategic observer
Traditionally, the rat is the first animal of the zodiac and is seen as clever, resourceful, and quick thinking
In leadership, they are the person who senses the undercurrents before they surface. They see things before anyone else does
Their strengths are political acuity, early risk detection, and reading the room with precision
The ox: a steady executor
Traditionally, the ox is seen as dependable, patient, and strong
In leadership, they are the anchor who keeps teams grounded when everything else is moving
Their strengths are operational discipline, resilience, and consistent delivery
The tiger: a bold catalyst
Traditionally, the tiger is seen as courageous, confident, and competitive
In leadership, they are the one who refuses to let inertia win
Their strengths are decisive action, momentum creation, and challenging the status quo
The rabbit: a diplomatic harmoniser
Traditionally, the rabbit is seen as gentle, empathetic, and tactful
In leadership, they are the quiet force that keeps relationships in tact
Their strengths are emotional intelligence, conflict navigation, and stakeholder harmony
The dragon: a visionary influencer
Traditionally, the dragon is seen as charismatic, ambitious, and magnetic
In leadership, they are the person who articulates a future others want to follow
Their strengths are narrative power, inspiration, and mobilising belief
The snake: an insightful strategist
Traditionally, the snake is seen as wise, intuitive, and analytical
In leadership, they are the one who plays the long game with elegance
Their strengths are timing, discretion, and solving complex problems without noise
The horse: an energetic driver
Traditionally, the horse is seen as enthusiastic, active, and optimistic
In leadership, they are the engine that keeps momentum alive
Their strengths are pace, visibility, and energising teams
The goat: a compassionate integrator
Traditionally, the goat is seen as gentle, creative, and thoughtful
In leadership, they are the person who humanises hard decisions
Their strengths are inclusive thinking, cultural stewardship, and holding complexity with care
The monkey: an inventive problem solver
Traditionally, the monkey is seen as clever, curious, and adaptable
In leadership, they are the one who reframes problems and finds unconventional paths forward
Their strengths are innovation, agility, and creative disruption
The rooster: a clarity bringer
Traditionally, the rooster is seen as honest, direct, and organised
In leadership, they are the person who says the things that need to be said
Their strengths are transparency, accountability, and cutting through ambiguity
The dog: a principled protector
Traditionally, the dog is seen as loyal, fair, and reliable
In leadership, they are the moral compass of the team
Their strengths are trust building, ethics, and defending what matters most
The pig: a builder of sustainable success
Traditionally, the pig is the last animal of the zodiac and is seen as generous, grounded, and pragmatic
In leadership, they are the one who creates conditions where people can thrive
Their strengths are long term thinking, resource stewardship, and steady prosperity
An invitation this Lunar New Year
The Fire Horse year is expected to bring speed, volatility, and transformative energy. The kind of energy that the rewards leaders who can adapt, stabilise, and harness momentum without being thrown by it
As you step into this fiery, fast moving year, use these animals of the zodiac as an out of the box reflection tool for yourself and your team:
Which animal feels most like you?
Which animal do you need to embody most?
Which animals are present in your team?
Which animals are missing from your team?
Which animals do your team need to embrace more?
Which animals do your team need to embrace less?
Which animals would do well together knowing the work you need to do?
Which animals would clash knowing the work you need to do?
If you’re feeling creative, craft a cheeky team building activity for your team using the descriptions above to encourage inclusiveness, diversity, cultural awareness, and lay the foundations for the political and relationship awareness you need for the year ahead!
Want to understand and leverage your team dynamics into a competitive advantage?
If this Fire Horse year has you thinking about the mix of instincts, energies, and strengths within your own team, there’s a practical next step
The Strengths Advantage for Teams is designed to help leaders decode their team’s dynamics, understand how different strengths interact, and turn that diversity into a genuine competitive advantage
It’s a grounded, evidence based way to do what the 12 animals of the zodiac only hints at. See your people clearly, leverage what makes them exceptional, and build a team that can move with confidence through a fast moving, chaotic year
It’s particularly practical for product and transformation leader. Read The strengths advantage: when soft skills become hard levers for influence to learn more about how underusing, overusing, and optimally using your strengths can help or hinder you in our world of work
If you’re ready to turn insights into action…