We saw hundreds of leaders grow and reach higher levels of success over the last year. Through dedication and hard work, our strategy and leadership development participants identified mindsets and habits that weren’t benefiting them and worked to develop new habits that would propel them toward the outcomes they desired. Here are the top five leadership struggles we encountered in 2024, along with actionable tips and resources to help you avoid these challenges in 2025.
Leadership Struggle #1: High Employee Turnover
“It feels like we have a revolving door of employees. We can’t seem to keep people, and I’m constantly having to find someone new to replace someone who left.”
Think about your culture as a strategy. When employees leave, there’s usually a reason. Analyze your current work culture or environment to uncover answers. Conduct a thorough assessment by:
- Performing a culture audit and “stay interviews.”
- Observing employee interactions.
- Reviewing social media and company review sites.
This analysis will help identify strengths, problems, and trends within your organization. Based on your findings, create quarterly and annual goals that address areas for improvement. For instance, if employees express frustration over a lack of flexibility and poor work-life balance, implement specific strategies to enhance these areas.
Make sure to communicate appreciation for honest feedback and share the steps you’re taking to improve. A concerted effort to address concerns can lead to increased retention and reduced turnover.
Organizational Health Assessment
Read our blog on organizational health assessments, and learn how an organization’s strong or weak health impacts almost every aspect of its vision, mission, culture, and ability to find continued success. It also impacts its employees on multiple levels: professionally, psychologically, and even physically.
Leadership Struggle #2: Constant Interruptions
“I get interrupted all day long by people needing help with different issues. Therefore, I don’t seem to get any other work accomplished.”
Conduct consistent one-on-one meetings with employees. These scheduled, private meetings allow employees to address concerns and ask questions, reducing the need for impromptu interruptions. Employees with regular one-on-ones are:
- 3x more likely to be engaged at work (Gallup).
- More productive and clearer in their roles (Microsoft).
- More satisfied and loyal to the company (Stanford).
By establishing dedicated time for communication, you’ll build relationships, establish trust, and create an avenue for constructive feedback.
How 1-on-1 Meetings Create Cultures of Trust and Alignment
Watch a Coffee with Kathy episode all about 1-on-1s! As a leader, establishing a regular cadence of 1-on-1 meetings is crucial for aligning your teams and fostering psychological safety in the workplace. These personal interactions can transform team dynamics, boost morale, and drive productivity. In this video, Kathy Bourque, Director of Leadership Development, dives into why top leaders consider 1-on-1 meetings a game-changer.
Leadership Struggle #3: Employee Resistance to Advice
“Why can’t people just do their jobs?! It seems like I’m met with resistance whenever I offer advice and solutions.”
Resistance may stem from how advice is given. Before offering solutions, ensure the individual is seeking your input. Start with questions like:
- “Are you looking for advice or just need someone to listen?”
If they want advice, involve them in developing the solution. Ask:
- “How do you want to handle it?”
- “What do you think is the right thing to do?”
- “What might happen if you tried (insert solution)?”
These questions empower employees to take ownership of decisions, increasing their buy-in and commitment.
Leadership Struggle #4: Exhaustion
“I’m exhausted by the end of the day.”
Assess your daily activities to see if they align with your personality and preferences. For example:
- If you’re an introvert, constant social interaction may drain you. Schedule solo time for focused work.
- If you’re an extrovert, working in isolation might leave you fatigued. Include virtual meetings or social activities to recharge.
Tailoring your day to your preferences can create better balance, leaving you energized and less exhausted.
Leadership Struggle #5: Difficulty Staying Focused in Conversations
“When having conversations with others, I have trouble staying focused and often miss things they said (or so I’m told).”
Improve focus by listening with the intent to understand rather than respond. During conversations:
- Focus fully on the speaker and their nonverbal cues.
- Ask clarifying questions like “Tell me more about that” or “Can you expand on that?”
- Summarize their points to ensure understanding. For example: “It sounds like you’re upset because you felt overlooked for the promotion. Is that correct?”
Effective listening fosters trust and improves collaboration. Leaders who enhance listening skills see a 30% improvement in employee satisfaction and a 25% increase in productivity (Gitnux).
Build Stronger Connections with EQ
Be a leader who has conversations with EQ! Ask thoughtful questions, stay curious, show genuine care, practice active listening, and believe people when they share their experiences. Watch our latest video on EQ.
By addressing these common leadership struggles, you’ll not only improve your leadership effectiveness but also foster a healthier, more productive work environment in 2025. Start implementing these strategies today to make the new year your most successful yet!
