As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself thinking about all the lessons this year has offered. The wins, the challenges, and the moments that made me stop and ask, What can I learn from this?

I know I’m not alone in this. As a leader, whether you’re managing a team or just starting your leadership journey, reflection is key to growth. But it’s not just about looking back; it’s about using those insights to move forward with intention.

Let me ask you this: What did 2024 teach you about yourself as a leader? What about your team?

If you’re unsure where to start, I’ve got you covered. Let’s explore what worked, what didn’t, and how we can carry those lessons into 2025.

 

What Worked in 2024?

Before we dive into what to change, let’s celebrate what went well. Acknowledging successes—no matter how small—is just as important as analyzing challenges.

1. What were your biggest wins this year?
   Think about the moments when you felt proud of your leadership. Was it a tough conversation you navigated well? A project your team delivered on time? Or maybe it was simply keeping things running smoothly during a hectic season.
2. What habits or strategies helped you lead effectively?
   Did you start new practices, like regular check-ins with your team? Did you focus on building stronger relationships? Whatever worked, make a note of it.

Take a moment to write down at least three things that went well. Then ask yourself: How can I double down on these strengths in 2025?

 

What Didn’t Work in 2024?

Now, let’s get honest about the struggles. This isn’t about being hard on yourself—it’s about recognizing opportunities to grow.

1. What felt harder than it needed to be?
   Was it miscommunication with your team? Struggling to delegate? Or maybe overcommitting and feeling stretched too thin? Identify the areas where you felt stuck.
2. What feedback did you get that stung (but maybe had some truth)?
   Feedback, even when it’s tough to hear, is a gift. Did someone point out something you could improve? How might you address it moving forward?

Write down a few challenges you faced in 2024. Then ask yourself: What would I do differently if these situations came up again?

 

How to Leverage 2024’s Lessons in 2025 – Start, Stop, & Stay!

Reflection without action won’t move the needle. Once you’ve identified what worked and what didn’t, it’s time to create a plan for 2025. Here are a few prompts to help you turn insights into action:

1. What is one thing you’ll stop doing in 2025?
   Maybe it’s saying “yes” to everything or micromanaging your team. Think about what you can let go of to create space for growth.
2. What is one thing you’ll stay doing in 2025?
   Look back at your wins. What’s one habit or practice that worked so well it deserves to stick around?
3. What is one thing you’ll start doing in 2025?
   Consider new strategies or goals you’d like to implement. Is it creating clearer communication channels? Investing in your team’s development? Or focusing on your own self-care as a leader?

 

The Power of Asking the Right Questions

One of the best tools you have as a leader is the ability to ask thoughtful questions—not just of yourself but of your team. Here are a few to try in your next meeting or one-on-one:

• What are you most proud of from this year?
• What’s one thing you think we could do better as a team?
• How can I better support you in achieving your goals next year?

These questions aren’t just about gathering insights—they’re about strengthening trust and collaboration.

But, how do we translate this great information into action next year? A great question! Below is a checklist to get you started!

 

Your Leadership Checklist for 2025

To help you put these lessons into action, here’s a quick checklist to kick off the new year:

1. Reflect on your 2024 wins and challenges (schedule 30 minutes for this).
2. Choose one thing to stop, stay, and start doing in 2025. Decide right now how that will happen, and put those strategies into play right away.
3. Share your reflections and plans with your team—it’s a great way to lead by example. Ask for their own reflections back, and if necessary, schedule time for them to complete this exercise.
4. Schedule regular check-ins throughout 2025 to revisit these lessons and track progress. I would suggest a once-a-quarter evaluation to see how you are tracking.

 

Your Next Step

I want to challenge you to take the first step within the next 48 hours. Grab a notebook or open a new document and answer this question: What’s one lesson from 2024 that I’ll use to make 2025 better—for myself and my team?

Once you have your answer, don’t stop there. Think about how you can put it into action. Need help? Check out more tools and insights at www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com. Let’s make 2025 your best leadership year yet!