The responsibilities of a leader have dramatically changed from what they used to be. Now, top leaders are expected to manage a remote workforce, understand emerging technologies, and drive business impact – all while remaining inclusive, empathic, and creative.
It’s a daunting challenge!
However, if you can learn to lead with empathy, adapt to change, and use technology, you will thrive as a leader in 2025. Leaders will have to gain a host of new skills to be successful in the second half of this decade.
Let's unpack the top 7 skills all leaders need going into next year:
In 2025, being “good enough” with technology won’t cut it. Executives have to be fluent in technologies involving AI and data analytics. This doesn’t always mean you have to learn software development or data engineering. It just means a leader should keep their eye on the ball, and do their best to comprehend this technology on a deeper level.
Good leaders use data to make wiser decisions, optimize processes, and stay ahead of trends. More tech-savvy leadership helps companies innovate faster and respond to market changes before competitors do.
How to develop tech fluency:
Try a sim here to see how to use this new technology to reduce risk, increase revenue, and cut costs.
With companies still open to hybrid work and some to remote work, leadership of distributed teams is essential. Top corporate leaders must master the ability to communicate effectively – even when their employees aren’t in the office next door.
Leading virtual teams is possible, especially when leaders are able to nurture relationships. Even over Zoom or Google Meet, take the time to ask employees and team members how they are doing. Check in with them on their performance, progress, and personal goals. Good leadership requires true, empathetic connection with your teams.
Key skills for remote leadership:
For years, emotional intelligence was a buzzword. Now, it’s a measurable, tangible soft skill that’s essential for all leaders. Leaders with high EQ instill trust and loyalty through open and free-flowing communication. By navigating emotional needs at work, you can pave the way for honesty and expect the same from your teams.
The leaders that manage stress, conflict, and burnout with emotional intelligence will develop much stronger, resilient employees.
How to enhance emotional intelligence:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion will continue to be a strong driver in leadership. Leaders must have the ability to manage a diverse team and build an inclusive culture. The more you can involve others in your decision-making processes, the more everyone feels like their differences are appreciated.
For leaders, DE&I means committing to cultural awareness. If you want to develop and retain diverse talent and drive innovation, you must become a leader who makes employees feel safe and supported. This diversity will give you a wide range of useful ideas, and ensure the company holds its competitive edge.
Key DE&I skills:
The last few years have unveiled that all companies must be adaptable. In 2025, leaders have to be agile – ready to shift gears in an instant. Agility is not just about reacting to changes but also about being ahead of the changes.
A great example of this is the rapid advancement of AI in the previous few years. Some leaders were ready for it, and others weren’t. Those who embrace change and stay on their toes are able to lead without having to know everything.
Ultimately, it is the ability to lead through uncertainty and disruption that will really distinguish great leaders. Whether it's a supply chain disruption, changes in consumer behavior, or other sudden crises, leaders must be able to flex and bend in 2025.
How to develop agility:
Most companies are now requiring their leaders to understand the business as a whole. You must be able to allocate your resources and attention in the right places – ensuring your strategic decisions drive profits and long-term company success.
Are your initiatives actually driving revenue growth? Or are they at least tied to it? If not, you may be spending time and money in an unproductive way. While there are dozens of ideas that would be fun and exciting to pursue, the good leader knows where to spend their time.
Usually, leaders are expected to tie their initiatives to some sort of return on investment for the company. By sharpening your financial acumen and understanding business development as a whole, you’ll be a much better leader. While you may not care about revenue growth in your specific department, it may help the company avoid mass layoffs in the future, or ensure security for your teams.
Tips to improve your business understanding:
The best leaders in 2025 will be constant learners. The “growth mindset” is an essential framework that every leader must have. For as long as technologies and markets continue to evolve, leaders have to stay current too. The only way to do this is by committing to learning new skills daily.
How to drive continuous learning:
The corporate world is always changing. New and existing leaders must change with it. By mastering fresh technology, leading with empathy, using data to make decisions, and more… you give yourself the best chance to become an impressive leader.
Now it's time to open up your leadership toolbox. Will you be ready to lead in 2025? Take out a notebook and write down the top leadership skills you need to acquire within the next year. Doing so could change the course of your career – and take your organization to the next level.