The transition from employee to leader is a significant career milestone. It often requires a blend of job experience, technical, expertise, and emotional intelligence—the ability to read and respond to the needs of others. The modern workforce of 2025 is more complex than ever before—largely due to advancements in AI, hybrid and remote work models, and growing demands for inclusive and diverse workspaces. These changes present unique opportunities for professionals to step up, take initiative, and position themselves as leaders.
As the workplace evolves, the skills a leader possesses must evolve with it. As we previously explored, today’s workers are looking for very specific values and characteristics in their leadership. Those who develop the right skills and mindsets will be well-equipped to navigate this dynamic landscape and kick start their career growth. To that end, we’ve compiled 7 essential elements aimed at growing your career and taking you from employee to leader.
7 essential elements for leaders in the making
1. Mindset Shift: Thinking Like a Leader
If you’re aiming to move up the corporate ladder, the first rung is to begin thinking like a leader. Ralph Lauren, creator of the well-established clothing brand of the same name, was once a mere sales associate for necktie company Rivetz. However, Lauren didn’t think like a sales associate–he thought like a CEO in waiting. With determination and persistence, he convinced the Rivetz manager to let him design and sell his own line of ties. The rest, as they say, is history.
Ralph Lauren is now one of the most well-known fashion brands–grossing nearly 7 billion dollars last year alone–and all because one man dared to think like a leader. Shifting your perspective from an employee mindset to a leadership mindset means focusing on vision-driven thinking, developing your decision-making skills, and cultivating an appreciation for continuous learning. The next time you’re at work, try thinking like a leader: ask yourself not what an employee should do in a given situation, but what a manager or CEO would do.
2. Effective Communication
Effective communication is essential to a thriving organization. Clear, concise communication that prioritizes the audience is important when in a leadership role and helps to overcome attitudinal barriers. However, effectively communicating involves more than just proficient speech. Active listening is important for building stable relationships with your peers. In fact, employees who feel their voice is heard are nearly 5 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their work. Effective communication also assists in managing conflicts–something workplace leaders become quite experienced with. Focus on what and how you communicate with those around you. Are you effectively and efficiently delivering messages? Are you accidentally triggering attitudinal barriers? Are you good at actively listening?
3. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is another important skill a future leader should seek to grow. EQ is often described as a set of skills that allow individuals to effectively recognize, express, and interpret their own emotions and those of others. Though it may not seem as such, Emotional Intelligence has an incredibly important role in today’s workplaces. A recent study found that 90% of the top performers at work were high in emotional intelligence. Leaders are often put in positions in which they must interpret, validate, and respond to others’ emotions. The leader with a high EQ that can handle emotional situations with efficiency and empathy will be inspiring to and respected by their peers. Want to up your EQ? Check out our 5 tips for increasing Emotional Intelligence.
4. Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving
Learning to anticipate challenges, plan for success, and solve conflicts under pressure are more hallmarks of a good leader. So what’s the secret to upgrading your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills? Focusing on the big picture.
Shift from focusing solely on daily tasks to considering long-term goals and industry trends. A strategic thinker learns to balance short-term goals with long-term vision in order to keep the bigger picture always in mind. This same principle works for problem-solving. Start preparing for and planning a response to obstacles you can foresee. Breaking down complex, long-term problems into smaller parts can help identify root causes and better prepare you for action. Also, consider performing SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) when making decisions or re-evaluating organizational goals. Want to prepare for your future as a workplace leader? Hone your strategic thinking and problem solving abilities.
5. Coaching Relationship
Gone are the days of traditional boss/employee relationships. Today’s workers are looking for a different style of leadership. That’s right: the workers of 2025 are far more interested in a coaching style of leadership. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Springtide Research Institute found that 82% of the Gen Zs polled believe it’s important their supervisor helps them set performance goals, and 83% say they want their supervisor to actively care about their life. The truth is, people want to be seen as people with their own unique talent and potential rather than an employee–a means to the organization’s end.
Good workplace leadership doesn’t involve micromanaging or apathetic bossing. In today’s workplaces, it involves establishing an active interest in the professional development and growth potential of those you lead. This is where the coaching leadership style comes into play. A great coach doesn’t just give orders: they inspire, guide, and equip their team with the tools they need to succeed. They provide constructive feedback, encourage growth, and foster a culture of trust and appreciation. Take a moment to reflect on how you think these traits translate to your workplace. How can you begin to build a coaching relationship?
6. Inclusive and Open Thinking
A diverse team brings a variety of perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches. This can lead to more creative and effective workplace solutions. Diversity and inclusivity are two factors new workers seek out specifically. According to a Deloitte Global study, the new generations of workers expect companies they work for to uphold initiatives that actively encourage inclusivity. By embracing inclusivity, new leaders can build stronger, more adaptable teams and create a workplace culture that attracts top talent and fuels long-term success.
Open thinking involves more than just inclusivity and diversity, however. It also means staying up-to-date or even ahead of industry trends. Leveraging technology and advanced AI can help take your career to new heights—and give you a leg up on the competition.
7. People-oriented Focus
Did you know, studies show 90% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes the employee’s voice and feedback? Feeling heard is a critical component of employee satisfaction and retention. People-oriented leaders prioritize their team members over tasks or objectives. They focus on the people first and the task second. By actively listening and valuing employee input, they create a workplace where individuals feel heard, engaged, and motivated to contribute to shared goals.
You may not be in a leadership position now, but you can still practice a people-oriented approach. You can do so by encouraging open and honest feedback. Listen actively when others offer feedback or constructive criticism and take action to make meaningful changes. When you rise to a leadership position, consider adopting an open-door policy or conducting regular check-ins in which honest feedback is welcome.
Another key to people-oriented leadership is recognizing and appreciating contributions made. Acknowledge individual and team achievements to encourage motivation and foster a more positive work environment. This habit will increase your respect amongst your peers and prepare you to be a more people-oriented and appreciated leader.
Start Your Leadership Journey Today
Preparing for growth in your professional life isn’t just about gaining a new title. It’s about developing the mindset, skills, and confidence to inspire others and drive success. By focusing on the essential elements we explored, you’ll set yourself apart as a leader ready to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Whatever your personal or professional goals may be, success requires guidance and support to fuel your growth journey. That’s why we created “Path to Success”, a step-by-step ebook designed to help you navigate your growth journey and achieve your goals.
And, if you're ready to take your leadership development even further, our coaching services offer personalized guidance tailored to your unique goals. Our leadership coaches partner with you to expand your scope of possibilities. Working to eliminate any obstacles and re-frame your thinking, we’ll help you visualize how you’ll feel and behave at your next level of success. Whether you’re preparing for a promotion, refining your leadership style, or overcoming career roadblocks, coaching can help you meet your unique goals
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