Reflecting on 2024: What Worked, What Didn’t, and How Leaders Can Move Forward in 2025
The end of the year can feel a little like the final stretch of a marathon—exhausting but filled with a sense of accomplishment (and maybe a bit of relief). And, just like any marathoner knows, reflecting on what got you through (or tripped you up) can help you start the next race stronger. So, if you’re a leader trying to figure out what to carry forward and what to leave behind, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’re breaking down a simple, no-nonsense approach to reflecting on 2024 and setting goals that actually work for 2025. No buzzwords, no corporate fluff—just practical steps to help you set up your team (and yourself) for a successful new year.
Reflect on What Worked—Keep the Good Stuff Rolling
2024 had its highs, right? Maybe a project that soared, a team win that boosted morale, or even just a meeting that ended on time. These little (or big) wins are worth remembering, not just for the feel-good factor but because they give you clues about what works.
Ask Yourself:
What projects went smoothly, and why?
Were there team dynamics or habits that made things easier?
What did you or the team enjoy doing? (Yes, enjoying work is possible!)
Highlight these moments with the team—celebrate them if you haven’t already. And think about how you can do more of what worked. Maybe it was those quick check-ins that kept everyone on the same page, or maybe it was that one project that really used your team’s strengths. Whatever it was, make a plan to carry it forward into 2025.
Face the Flops—Learn from What Didn’t Work
Not everything hit the mark this year, and that’s okay. We all have projects or moments that didn’t exactly earn a gold star. The key is to look back and find the lesson without dwelling too long in “coulda, shoulda” territory. Recognize what didn’t work so you can avoid repeat performances.
Ask Yourself:
Which goals missed the mark, and why? Was it the goal itself, the timing, or maybe just too many spinning plates?
What patterns do you see? Are certain challenges popping up over and over?
Did the team experience burnout or frustration, and if so, what triggered it?
Learning from these challenges doesn’t mean beating yourself up or dissecting every detail. Instead, look for the patterns. Maybe the issue wasn’t that the team lacked enthusiasm, but that there was too much to do in too little time. Use these insights to simplify your approach and build a more manageable strategy for the year ahead.
Set Goals for 2025—Simple, Real, and Aligned with What Matters
Once you know what worked and what didn’t, it’s time to set some goals. Remember, goals don’t need to be groundbreaking or filled with corporate jargon to be effective. In fact, the best goals are often the simplest ones that keep your team moving forward without piling on the pressure.
Goal-Setting Tips:
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: It’s tempting to set a bunch of ambitious goals, but focus on a few that actually matter. Think depth over breadth.
Include Development Goals: Growth isn’t just about hitting targets. Set goals that build team skills, improve communication, or foster resilience.
Be Flexible: Life (and work) will throw curveballs. Leave room to adjust without abandoning the bigger picture.
Make sure your goals align with what your team is good at and what they need to improve. When everyone understands the “why” behind each goal, they’re more likely to stay motivated and less likely to feel overwhelmed.
Get the Team Involved—Planning Is Better Together
Getting your team involved in the planning process is a must. When team members feel like their voices are heard, they’re far more likely to buy into the goals you set together.
How to Bring Your Team In:
Hold Reflection Sessions: Have an honest chat about what worked and what didn’t, and let the team share their thoughts. Sometimes, the best insights come from the people in the trenches.
Collaborate on Goals: Give the team a chance to contribute their own ideas for 2025 goals. Not only does this build buy-in, but it can surface creative ideas you might not have considered.
Set Regular Checkpoints: Schedule progress reviews throughout the year to keep everyone aligned, make adjustments, and celebrate those small wins.
When the team feels ownership over their goals, accountability isn’t something you have to chase. They’re invested in the outcome because they helped shape it.
Prioritize Well-Being and Growth for a Sustainable 2025
If you’re looking to avoid burnout, make well-being a core part of your 2025 strategy. Leaders who prioritize work-life balance and growth create teams that are more engaged, resilient, and ready to take on new challenges.
Quick Wins for Well-Being:
Incorporate Wellness: Schedule regular team wellness days, start meetings with a quick mindfulness check-in, or build in some flexibility where you can.
Invest in Development: Encourage growth by offering skill-building workshops or regular one-on-ones. Growth doesn’t have to mean climbing the ladder—it can mean becoming more effective in the role you’re in.
Keep the Door Open: A little open-door policy goes a long way. Let the team know you’re there for real conversations, not just work updates.
The goal here isn’t just to keep your team around. It’s to keep them around and motivated, bringing their best every day because they feel supported.
Conclusion: Move Forward with Purpose in 2025
Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t this year gives you a roadmap to move forward with purpose. By learning from both wins and losses, setting aligned and realistic goals, and fostering a balanced, growth-oriented environment, you can start 2025 with confidence and clarity.
At The Leader HQ, we believe that great leadership isn’t about fancy titles or complicated theories—it’s about mastering the skills that actually make a difference in the real world. Our no-nonsense approach turns soft skills into the solid, practical tools every leader needs to build engaged, high-performing teams.
Ready to start 2025 with a team that’s motivated, connected, and equipped to tackle the challenges ahead? Contact us to learn how our results-focused leadership development programs can transform your team from the inside out.
And before you go, take our free, 2-minute Team Health Assessment to get actionable insights on how to better support your team today. It’s a quick way to see where your team stands and start the new year on a high note.
