Three Changes to Make in 2025 to Become a Better Leader

Part 1 of My Year-End Column Roundup

Hard to believe, but 2024 is almost over. A good way to wrap up the old year is by thinking about what we might do differently in the new one. How can we set ourselves up to be better, more successful leaders, employees, and human beings in the new year?

In thinking how best to answer this question, I revisited some columns I’ve written over the past year. Here are a few actions to focus on in 2025 (with links to the columns that discuss them):

Own your own development. In times of rapid change, skill-building and development are crucial. We all need to be lifelong learners. This begins with self-awareness, which means knowing what you’re good at and what you’re not. It also means taking ownership of your development. If your company doesn’t provide regular skill-building, make an appointment with your leader. Share that you are committed to developing your skills, will be grateful for their help, and will accept feedback. If they send you to a workshop or provide training, send a thank-you note. This shows you are using their investment wisely. Even if they don’t, there are plenty of books to read and online courses to enroll in. We can all take charge of our own development.

Practice your presentation skills. People often tell me they are uncomfortable speaking in public. I can empathize. Often, being in a leadership role includes actions that are not comfortable. The ability to present is a must-have for leaders. Even if you don’t have to speak in front of big groups, you do need to be able to effectively build a case to your leaders, facilitate meetings, or lead huddles. All of these require good presentation skills. Do not wait. There are terrific books, videos, and individuals who can help with presentation training. An effective leader is usually an effective presenter. Even if you never present in front of a big audience, you will never regret improving your ability to influence, engage, inspire, and motivate others.

Strive to do more listening than talking. Sometimes writing these columns helps me reflect on what really matters in life. This one, Don’t Miss Out on the Gifts of Listening, is a good example. Yes, good listening makes us better leaders and communicators, but it also makes us better human beings. In this column, I share what a gift it was to get to know an older gentleman on a flight. How? I listened and learned and made a new friend. Rather than trying to be interesting, I was interested. Afterward, I was filled with gratitude. It was a good reminder that listening leads to transformational, relationship-building conversations, not transactional ones.

Please check in next week for a few more insights from my year-end column roundup.

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