I don’t know about you, but New Year’s eve already feels like a lifetime ago. It’s been an incredibly busy start to the year across the business and political world.
Like most of us, I use the start of a new year to think about what I want to accomplish over the next twelve months, how I want to be better and grow and what I’d like to do differently.
Instead of telling you that I’ll absolutely go to the gym every day, which I won’t, I thought I would instead share some new year’s resolutions for corporate leaders.
It’s not just you, empower your team
If you’re not doing this already, then start. A culture of empowerment and ownership starts with you. Delegating responsibilities to your team is only half the equation; they also need the knowledge, tools and confidence to make decisions that drive the business forward.
As a leader, you could encourage your colleagues to take ownership of decision making and deliverables at all levels by fostering an environment where employees feel trusted and equipped to take initiative. When your team feels empowered, their sense of accountability and engagement skyrockets and you will notice this contributes positively to your business’ chances of success.
Don’t be a dinosaur, embrace new technology
This one stays relevant pretty much every year, but feels particularly important in the AI era, where so many processes and even jobs are being automated in the pursuit of productivity. It’s hard to keep with everything new that’s happening, but you need to lead by example.
Make 2025 the year you commit to learning how to use the analytics and productivity tools provided by the company more effectively. When you dig into what is already available I am sure you will find pilot programs and alpha testing groups provided by the IT teams that allow for new tech to be implemented, and if we learn some “tricks” on how to utilize it, we will end up ahead of where we were before.
Also, if you discover a new trick that works, share the tips with your peers and team members.
Is everyone still on the same page? Renew your purpose
Like all organisations, or even countries, businesses thrive when everyone is on the same page and striving towards a shared vision. Use the new year to ask yourself - What is your company’s overarching purpose? Does your team fully understand it?
Even if the answer is “yes”, there’s always value in making that purpose more explicit. Host workshops, create visual reminders, or hold town halls to reintroduce and reinforce your company’s mission. When everyone on the team feels connected to a bigger vision, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work every day.
Communication is key, schedule those 1:1s
Given the demands placed on corporate leaders, it’s easy to cancel a diary invite that’s a 1:1 with a team member than a big call with the boss. But don’t overlook the importance of personal development and mentorship.
Make it a resolution to carve out time for regular check-ins with your team. Whether it’s one-on-one meetings or group sessions, these touchpoints are opportunities to provide feedback, offer guidance, and learn from each other. Growth is a two-way street—there’s always someone you can mentor and someone you can learn from. By prioritizing these moments, you’ll build stronger relationships and a more resilient team.
Share what you’ve learned, even if something failed
Collaboration flourishes when people feel safe to share their successes and struggles. This year, commit to fostering a culture of openness. Celebrate wins publicly, discuss challenges transparently, and share lessons learned across departments.
The more your team feels encouraged to exchange ideas, the more opportunities will arise for innovation and improvement. Remember, some of the best solutions come from unexpected places—sometimes, all you have to do is ask or even simply make yourself available to listen.
Looking Ahead
Remember, resolutions aren’t just for individuals, they’re powerful tools for businesses too. Start the year strong by setting these resolutions in motion and watching your team thrive like never before.
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