Leadership isn’t what it used to be—because the world isn’t what it used to be. With technology advancing faster than a viral trend, workplace expectations evolving daily, and the relentless pressure to deliver results, it’s no wonder so many business leaders feel like they’re stuck in a cycle of reacting instead of leading.

The truth is, what worked yesterday just won’t cut it tomorrow. Being a great leader in 2025 demands more than a sharp mind and a firm handshake.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Keep reading for ten practical, forward-thinking ways to help step up your game and meet the challenges of 2025 head-on.

1. Remind yourself (and your team) of your vision

Crafting a compelling organizational vision is the first step toward effective leadership. But here’s the thing: even the clearest vision can fade into the background amidst the day-to-day hustle. So, how can you bring it back into focus and keep everyone inspired?

Start by reflecting on your why. Why did you want to become a leader in the first place? Was it to turn your passion into a thriving business? Or maybe to empower others to achieve their dreams? Whatever your reason, it’s the foundation of your vision.

Once you’ve reconnected with your purpose, think about how to make it a shared vision that excites your team. This isn’t a solo mission—it’s about aligning everyone around a common goal.

Research conducted in the UK revealed that over half of employees across the country couldn’t recall their company’s vision or values. Without that clarity, it’s no wonder motivation sometimes wavers. People thrive when they see how their efforts contribute to something meaningful.

That’s why it’s crucial to regularly remind your team of the big picture—why their work matters. Whether it’s delighting customers, supporting each other, or building strong partnerships, a well-communicated vision ties everyone’s efforts to a shared purpose.

2. Make sure everyone feels welcome

We're not just talking about polite greetings and pleasantries. Rather, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included—no matter their background, identity, or perspective.

When people feel truly welcome, they’re more likely to contribute their ideas, collaborate openly, and stay engaged. It’s also a cornerstone of psychological safety, which is critical for innovation and team success.

According to research by Harvard Business Review, inclusive leaders share the following traits:

• A visible commitment: Not just talking the talk to check off some boxes, but leading by example—stepping up to challenge the status quo when needed, holding yourself and others accountable, and making diversity and inclusion a priority, both in your personal life and within your company culture.
• Humility: Everyone gets things wrong sometimes, and leaders are no exception. Owning up to mistakes and staying grounded about personal capabilities shows authenticity and builds trust and confidence within your team, creating a space where collaboration thrives.
• Awareness of bias: Whether we like it or not, everyone holds certain biases. Great leaders don’t shy away from this reality. By recognizing personal blind spots and pinpointing systemic flaws, they set the stage for a fairer, more merit-based environment where team members feel valued for their true contributions.
• Curiosity about others: A genuine interest in your team members can transform the workplace. This curiosity isn’t just about asking questions for the sake of it—it’s about paying attention to the answers and using that understanding to uncover hidden talents, build stronger connections, and even spot potential challenges early and tackle them before they become bigger issues.
• Cultural intelligence: Great leaders understand that diversity adds richness to both the workplace and the world. They work to create a welcoming environment where respect for different cultures is key, making sure everyone feels included and valued.
• Effective collaboration: Great leaders tune into their team members’ individual strengths and thought processes, creating a safe space for creativity to flourish. When people feel supported and heard, they’re more likely to propose bold, groundbreaking ideas that drive success.

3. Think like an entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are renowned for their willingness to take risks and think beyond business-as-usual processes. Whether they’re looking for new opportunities or want to improve operational efficiency across their business, an entrepreneur isn’t afraid to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to maximum effect.

But the great thing is, you don’t need to own a business to think like an entrepreneur. It’s a mindset that anyone can cultivate to spark growth and resilience in their work or personal life.

• Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Whether it’s trying a new strategy, pitching an unconventional idea, or collaborating with diverse teams, pushing boundaries fosters innovation.
• Focus on building resilience: Talk to your team (or yourself!) about how to bounce back from setbacks stronger and wiser. Sharing lessons from failures and celebrating progress fosters a culture of learning and growth.
• Be open to change: The world isn’t slowing down, and neither is the pace of change. Instead of fearing the unknown, ask yourself how you can use it to your advantage. Staying open to new possibilities keeps you ahead of the curve.
• Encourage bold conversations: Great ideas often come from unexpected places. Create a safe space for open discussions about how to improve, innovate, and grow together.

Let’s face it, the world is only getting more unpredictable. Thinking like an entrepreneur isn’t just about staying afloat, it’s about thriving. By stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing change, and encouraging creative problem-solving, you can help your team (and yourself) spot opportunities others might miss.

Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers or take massive leaps. Even small shifts in how you think or approach a challenge can make a big difference.

4. Take your tech literacy to the next level

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you’ll know that digital tools are quickly evolving in line with cutting-edge developments. From artificial intelligence to next-gen cybersecurity software, there’s no shortage of ways to make your life easier and your business smarter.

However, this means that simply being “tech-savvy” may no longer be enough. It’s time to become “digitally fluent.”

Sure, you might feel confident navigating social media or asking ChatGPT for quick answers, but are you tapping into the full potential of these tools the way forward-thinking entrepreneurs are?

And it’s not just about embracing new tech for yourself, great leaders bring their teams along on the journey. That might mean investing in team-wide software access or organizing training sessions to make sure even the least tech-confident team members feel empowered.

As the world becomes more reliant on time-saving tech, you’ll need to foster a culture of innovation and digital empowerment if you want to remain competitive. Now’s the perfect moment to embrace new tools, learn their ins and outs, and inspire your team to do the same.

5. Embrace emotional intelligence

As we lean more heavily on technology for efficiency, it’s the distinctly human qualities—like emotional intelligence (EQ)—that are emerging as essential differentiators in the workplace. EQ encompasses skills like empathy, self-awareness, adaptability, and the ability to build strong relationships—qualities that machines can’t replicate.

Why does this matter?

Leaders with high emotional intelligence can boost team performance by up to 30%. What’s more, research suggests that emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of performance out of 34 fundamental workplace skills. Yet, only 22% of 155,000 leaders surveyed were found to have strong levels of emotional intelligence. That’s a huge opportunity to stand out!

The good news is that EQ isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill you can grow with intentional effort.

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Pause before reacting: In tense situations, take a moment to breathe and reflect before responding. It can help you respond thoughtfully instead of emotionally.
• Listen actively: Pay close attention to what others are saying and avoid interrupting. People feel valued when they’re truly heard.
• Embrace feedback: Accept constructive criticism with an open mind, and ask others for insights on how you handle tricky situations.
• Find the silver lining: In challenging times, focus on what’s going well and use that optimism to motivate your team.
• Practice gratitude: Regularly reflect on what you’re thankful for. It’s a simple habit that can boost your mood and strengthen your connections with others.

See: Can Emotional Intelligence Make You A Better Leader?

6. Nurture creativity

Beyond emotional intelligence, creativity is another increasingly coveted skill in our automated, AI-driven world. As machines handle the predictable, creativity is what helps us to thrive in the unpredictable.

Not just reserved for artists and designers, leaders who can think outside the box, leverage their resourcefulness, and turn obstacles into opportunities will be the ones setting the pace in 2025 and beyond.

While creativity may seem like a trait you’re born with, this isn’t quite true. It’s like a muscle—the more you work on it, the stronger it gets.

• Surround yourself with inspiration: Think art, music, books, nature, or even a walk in a new neighborhood. The world is full of creative fuel—immerse yourself in it!
• Let your mind wander: Taking breaks from routine tasks can give your brain the space it needs to connect the dots and come up with fresh ideas and perspectives.
• Collaboration fuels creativity: Try techniques like freewriting or mind mapping to explore ideas individually, then bring your findings to the group. It might feel a bit messy, but messy often leads to magic!
• Keep a notebook to hand: Whether it’s a curious observation or a half-formed idea, jot it down before it slips away. Over time, you’ll have a treasure trove of ideas to draw from.
• Get in the zone: A calm, focused mind is a more creative mind. Set yourself up for success by limiting distractions, putting your phone out of reach, and working in an environment that helps you concentrate.

Remember, creativity isn’t about being perfect or always having the “right” idea. It’s about exploring, experimenting, and seeing the world through a lens of curiosity.

See: The Top 10 Creativity Killers In Business (And How To Avoid Them)

7. Invest in continuous learning and development

Great leaders understand that growth is a lifelong endeavor. They know just how important it is to learn new skills, unlearn outdated practices, and relearn essential concepts.

This mindset is more important than ever as industries evolve and fresh challenges pop up in every sector. But how do you stay ahead, sharpen your skills, and inspire your team to do the same?

Start by carving out time for learning and development. Scheduling it into your week makes it a priority, not an afterthought. Signing up for professional courses is a fantastic way to stay accountable, especially when there’s a test or certification involved.

And don’t stop there—investing in your team’s growth by providing access to learning opportunities and resources is key. While it might feel like a big expense upfront, the long-term payoff in competitive skills and a motivated team is absolutely worth it.

See: How A Virtual Assistant Can Help You With Continuous Learning And Development

8. Think “coach”, not “manager”

Picture this: instead of being the person who just assigns tasks, checks progress, and has difficult conversations, you’re the one who inspires, mentors, and helps your team thrive.

“The easy way to lead is to tell people what to do, but then they don’t need to think on their own,” says Susie Tomenchok, Executive Coach and facilitator at Syndeo Institute at the Cable Center. “Coaching allows people to develop in a meaningful way. It builds trust and helps the individual to activate their strengths to get things done.”

Here at Time etc, we’ve been learning this vital lesson on the job. We learned that what our team members truly wanted was goal-setting, feedback, personal growth, and autonomy—the kind of support you'd expect from a coach, not a traditional manager.

So, we made a bold change. We swapped the term “manager” for “coach” and redefined the role with a clear purpose: to help every team member unlock their full potential and be their most productive selves.

Our coaches provide hands-on mentoring, regular feedback, and encouragement; as well as any tools, training, or support needed for team members to do their best work. Just like traditional managers, team members can turn to them for help when they get stuck or something goes wrong. But instead of just giving orders, our coaches focus on empowering them to find their own solutions.

Since this shift from “management” to “coaching”, we’ve seen fewer sick days, reduced staff turnover, and a 20% improvement in our key goals. It’s a win-win: our people are thriving, and so is the business.

9. Master the art of managing yourself

Before you can effectively lead others, you need to make sure that your own house is in order. Much like the safety instructions you hear before your plane takes off, think of it as putting on your own oxygen mask first before helping others!

It all starts with those all-important skills like time management, organization, and prioritization. When a leader excels in these areas, they’re not only setting themselves up for personal success, they’re setting the standards they want to see in their team. Less “Do as I say,” and more, “Here’s how it’s done.”

Equally important is maintaining a positive attitude. A leader’s mindset is contagious, for better or worse. It sets the tone for the entire team, influencing morale and motivation. People naturally look to their leaders for cues on how to respond to difficult situations, and those who remain calm, optimistic, and solution-focused don’t just help their team weather the storm, but rise to the occasion.

See: Why Most Entrepreneurs Are Terrible At Time Management (And How To Buck The Trend)

10. Delegate as much as you can

The ability to manage your workload is one of the most important skills for self-management—and one of the hardest to master. Whether we stack our plates sky-high out of ambition, necessity, or habit, it’s easy to forget this simple truth: “You can do anything, but not everything.”

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or noticing mistakes being made or things slipping through the cracks, that’s your cue to take a step back and rethink what’s really worth your time. Chances are, not everything on your to-do list is.

What’s more, no one is amazing at everything—and that’s perfectly okay. That’s why the best leaders focus on what they’re great at. The stuff you love and excel at? That’s where your energy should go. The rest? Hand it off to someone who’s better suited for it, whether that’s a team member, a peer, or a virtual assistant (VA).

Delegation creates the space you need to breathe, think, and lead effectively; while empowering others to shine in their areas of expertise.

So, ask yourself: what’s on your plate right now that someone else could handle?

What’s the bottom line?

As the world of business evolves, so do the demands on leaders. Striking the balance between empathy and strategy, relationships and results, is the key to thriving as a leader in this new era. It’s not just about achieving outcomes, but about how you achieve them.

Focus on becoming the kind of leader you’d want to work with: someone empathetic enough to understand their team’s challenges, innovative enough to embrace fresh ideas, and committed to everyone’s collective success.

To make this possible, you’ll need to leverage the tools and resources at your disposal wisely—including your time and the skills of those around you. This means prioritizing what truly matters, and delegating the rest.

So, if you’re in need of a qualified and capable individual to take care of those tasks, Time etc has you covered.

We know just how full your plate is, so we’ll take care of everything for you. We’ll save you up to three to six weeks of recruitment, up to 90% of traditional hiring costs, and all the effort of managing your assistant on a day-to-day basis.

Sound good?

Simply speak to our expert team to get started—we’ll handle the rest! Or, you can answer a few simple questions to get personalized task recommendations tailored to your unique needs—and enjoy $150 off your first month of virtual assistant support with Time etc!