To help guide the way, here are five essential resolutions shared by expert voices in leadership, each offering a unique perspective for start-up and scale-up leaders alike.

1. Ask one question more than usual

“One of the biggest challenges for any leader in any business at any time is information flow. Making sure you know what you need to,” says Nik Kinley, a London-based leadership consultant, assessor and coach with over 35 years of experience working with some of the world's biggest companies.

 “The uncomfortable fact is that once you become the boss, people start treating you differently. They will start saying things differently. And in doing so, the flow of information to you will change.”

Nik recommends staying vigilant against the natural disruptions that come with leadership to ensure openness: “Every day, go hunting. Find one thing you wouldn't otherwise have seen or heard, that you would have overlooked or not asked, or that someone wouldn't have told you. Take the time to ask just one question more than usual.”

2. Take more time to celebrate your wins

In the fast-paced world of business, it’s easy to jump from one goal to the next without stopping to appreciate achievements. Alex Partridge, Founder of UNILAD and LADBible and author of Now It All Makes Sense: How An ADHD Diagnosis Brought Clarity To My Life reminds us of the importance of reflection and celebration:

“When you take time to intentionally celebrate your wins, you absorb the self-confidence that is needed to convince yourself that you’re capable and deserving to be in the position you’re in. It sets an unshakable foundation that will enable you to work towards the next goal with unwavering self-belief. Without this foundation, imposter syndrome, feelings of self-doubt and anxiety will creep in.”

Alex highlights that celebrating doesn’t necessarily mean big, time-consuming gestures, even a company meal or a metaphorical pat on the back is helpful. “Simply taking the time to consciously remind yourself how far you’ve come will really help you cement the evidence in your subconscious that you’re brilliant, and the next milestone is within your reach.”

3. Don’t chase cool – just get sh*t done

In the age of social media, it’s tempting for leaders to focus on image over substance. “Chasing cool”, as Dr. Helmut Schuster, co-author of A Groundhog Career: A tale of career traps and how to escape them with Dr David Oxley, frames it.

“From TikTok jargon and trendy buzzwords to curating a polished digital persona, many leaders waste time trying to appear relevant. The reality is, no one remembers the leader who looked cool but failed to deliver. People value and respect someone who gets stuff done.”

“A 2022 Deloitte survey revealed that 80% of employees prioritize honesty and authenticity in leaders. Harvard Business Review research underscores this: leaders who prioritize style over substance create weaker, less effective teams.”

Schuster emphasis that leaders who prioritize authenticity and effectiveness over “coolness” build stronger teams and lasting reputations. “Focus on what matters – leave the cool to someone else.”

4. Ensure your leadership teams are diverse

Most organisations are looking for ways to improve performance, elevate employee engagement and increase efficiency. But have you explored how diversity could drive this?

“Having a diverse group of people around you, provided you know how to listen to their input, will make your decisions more well-rounded and robust, and will help you incorporate different lenses that a more homogenous group is unlikely to have considered – and help you open up your personal blind spots,” says Sissel Heiberg, author of Quiet Leader: What you can learn from the power of introverts.

By cultivating self-awareness and embracing different personalities, Heiberg says that organisations can foster innovation and openness. “By including introverted leaders in your direct reporting line, you’ll create a leadership team more likely to listen to their team members and be more open to new ideas.”

5. Propel your planning forward with strategic thinking tactics

Success in 2025 will demand adaptability and forward-thinking strategies. Michael Watkins, a professor of leadership at the IMD Business School and author of The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking and The First 90 Days offers a blueprint for embedding strategic thinking into the decisions made every day:

“Commit to scanning the horizon for emerging opportunities and challenges and then rapidly reconfiguring your business model, operations, and team responsibilities to meet these challenges. This resolution is not about developing a strategic plan but embedding strategic adaptability into your everyday decision-making.”

Watkins recommends nurturing curiosity and openness to change to help encourage teams to experiment and learn from setbacks. “Simplify processes, decentralise authority, and give your people the tools and information they need to make timely, informed decisions.”

“Be sure that your strategic insights guide your adaptation. Continuously refine your understanding of customer needs, technology trends, and competitive landscapes. Align your evolving structure and culture with a clear strategic vision that secures your market position and propels your growth. Make 2025 the year you shape the future by combining strategic foresight with operational agility.”

Final thoughts

Each of these resolutions underscores a key aspect of 21st century leadership – from maintaining open lines of communication to fostering a culture of adaptability and inclusivity in the face of new technologies and trends. By embracing these principles, business leaders can enter 2025 with renewed focus and a strong foundation for success. Which of these resolutions will you adopt to elevate your leadership in the New Year?