4 Leadership Skills That Will Set You Apart in 2025
Career

4 Leadership Skills That Will Set You Apart in 2025

4 Top Leadership Competencies That Will Set You Apart in 2025 Are you aiming to take on a leadership role in 2025? You’re in the right place, we are here to tell you about the top leadership competencies for 2025. With industries transforming rapidly, knowing how to position yourself as a standout leader can feel […]

June 17th, 2024
*

Abby.

Founder

A search expert making key hires for over twenty years.

4 Top Leadership Competencies That Will Set You Apart in 2025

Are you aiming to take on a leadership role in 2025?

You’re in the right place, we are here to tell you about the top leadership competencies for 2025.

With industries transforming rapidly, knowing how to position yourself as a standout leader can feel overwhelming. The qualities expected from future leaders are evolving just as quickly as the workplace itself.

At Yellow Bricks, we work closely with ambitious organisations and high-performing professionals. We know exactly what top companies are looking for in their next generation of leadership talent and we’re here to share the top leadership competencies for 2025 that will give you a competitive edge.

Let’s dive in.

1. Communication That Connects

Did you know that 70% of employee engagement is influenced by how leaders communicate?

According to Gallup, communication remains one of the most powerful leadership tools and in 2025, it will be non-negotiable. With the continued rise of remote and hybrid work, leaders must use a range of tools and channels to keep teams aligned and motivated.

The best leaders in 2025 will know how to give clear, honest feedback, listen actively, and inspire through consistent, purpose-driven messaging.

2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

As AI grows more capable, top leadership competencies for 2025 will lean heavily on human strengths particularly emotional intelligence.

EQ enables leaders to navigate conflict, build trust, and lead with empathy. In distributed, fast-paced environments, it’s the glue that holds teams together. Organisations are prioritising emotionally intelligent leaders who can read the room even when the room is virtual.

As economist Andrew J. Scott puts it:

“As machines get better at being machines, humans have to get better at being more human.”

3. Strategic Thinking in Uncertain Times

2025 will reward leaders who can think several steps ahead without losing sight of today.

Strategic thinking is one of the most in-demand leadership competencies for businesses navigating economic shifts, industry disruption, and digital transformation. Leaders will need to interpret trends, spot risks early, and steer teams toward long-term goals while staying agile.

If you can combine big-picture thinking with practical planning, you’ll stand out in any leadership search.

4. Adaptability and a Growth Mindset

According to a PwC survey, 40% of global CEOs believe their company won’t be economically viable within a decade without reinvention. That means they’re looking for leaders who are not only open to change but excited by it.

Adaptability is one of the top leadership competencies for 2025 because it reflects your ability to pivot quickly, embrace continuous learning, and move with the pace of innovation.

Leaders who thrive through change, rather than resist it, will be the ones shaping the future.

Your Roadmap to Leadership in 2025

Ready to step into a more senior role? Here are five practical steps to begin building your leadership profile:

1. Assess Where You Are Now

Take stock of your current skill set. Where do your strengths lie? Which of these top leadership competencies for 2025 could you develop further? Align your self-assessment with your broader career purpose.

2. Create a Clear Career Plan

Map out the steps you need to take. Consider what kinds of roles, responsibilities, or learning experiences will help move you closer to your goals.

3. Pursue Stretch Opportunities

Get involved in projects that challenge your thinking and leadership style. Seek out mentoring, executive coaching, or cross-functional teams to expand your toolkit.

4. Partner with a Search Firm

A trusted executive search partner can help connect you with leadership roles many of which are never advertised. They can also give you honest feedback and help position your strengths.

5. Commit to Continuous Learning

Stay curious. Subscribe to industry insights, attend leadership events, and learn from the successes (and failures) of others. A growth mindset will always be in demand.

Ready to Lead?

The future of leadership is already here. If you want to be considered for the most exciting leadership roles in 2025 and beyond, now’s the time to build these top leadership competencies into your daily practice.

Get in touch with Yellow Bricks today to find out how we can help accelerate your leadership career.

📞 Call us on 01628 566 447
📩 Or send us a message here


To find out more about how to focus on your brand, get in touch today.
Want to hear about our other articles?
Looking to hire your next superstar?
Keen to explore our latest vacancies?
Yellow Bricks is a female-owned and led executive search firm hiring predominately for software companies with diversity and inclusion at the heart of our offering. To learn more, click here.
Related posts
5 Questions All Leaders Should Be Asking Their Teams

5 Questions All Leaders Should Be Asking Their Teams

70% of employees say their purpose is related to their work.   People who feel their work has purpose are often more satisfied with their professional lives and loyal to companies who advocate for their own lives and careers.   They are 69% less likely to plan to quit their jobs within the next 6 […]
Why Leaders Need to Foster a Learning Culture

Why Leaders Need to Foster a Learning Culture

The pandemic brought a transformation to the working world, and as we enter the age of AI, businesses need to act now to future-proof themselves.   Going forward, the growth in technology and workers’ re-evaluations of their working lives means that incorporating a learning culture needs to become a top priority for organisations to future-proof, […]
Why leaders are being told to evolve or face extinction.

Why leaders are being told to evolve or face extinction.

Global CEOs believe their organisation won’t be economically viable in 10 years’ time if they stay on their current path.   This is not just a warning but an urgent call to action. In PwC’s recent Global CEO survey, 4,410 chief executives all agree: you must “evolve or die”.   The turbulence of recent years, […]
UK employment law changes

UK employment law changes

UK Employment Law Changes: What Businesses Need to Know Labour’s proposed UK employment law changes have been described as a “once-in-a-generation” shift that will significantly impact employers and employees across the country. These reforms aim to strengthen workers’ rights from day one of employment, with major updates to sick pay, maternity leave, and unfair dismissal […]
Benefits of Hiring Temps During Uncertain Times

Benefits of Hiring Temps During Uncertain Times

When times look rough, it is often helpful to look back for guidance.   In the past few years there has been a major battle for talent. With the post pandemic boom, many experienced exponential growth, which warranted the extra headcount. However, as things settle and in some cases, go backward, we are seeing a […]
The Benefits to Hiring a Temp or Contractor

The Benefits to Hiring a Temp or Contractor

You have big ideas.   However, these ideas come with the need for an increased level of niche skill or time that your employees may not have.   What can you do?   Hire a temporary worker or an interim contractor:   What is a temporary worker / interim contractor?   An interim contractor is […]
Executives, here are 9 ways to create a world-class personal brand

Executives, here are 9 ways to create a world-class personal brand

Your personal, professional brand. The strengths, characteristics, and achievements others remember you for.   It is an important deciding factor in how promotions and career opportunities play out.   But creating that brand and keeping it consistent is difficult — potentially more so than ever before.   Why does your brand matter in 2023?   […]
What makes a great leader in 2024?

What makes a great leader in 2024?

The business world is constantly changing, and so are the qualities needed to succeed as a leader. If you aspire to a senior leadership role in 2024, you’re in the right place. We understand that navigating your career can be tough. As a talent search firm partnering with leading companies, we have insights to share […]
6 Meaningful Career Goals for 2023

6 Meaningful Career Goals for 2023

It’s January 2023, a new month, and a fresh new year.   Are you a person who likes to set new year’s goals?   How often do you set career new year’s goals?   Work is such a big part of our lives. Have you taken time out to reflect on your professional life, and […]
5 Proven Strategies for Recruiting Top Talent in a Competitive Job Market

5 Proven Strategies for Recruiting Top Talent in a Competitive Job Market

Recruiting top talent in today’s fast-moving market takes more than a decent salary and a job spec. High-quality candidates want more: purpose, culture, flexibility, and a sense of belonging. The UK hiring landscape is shifting fast and the companies succeeding are the ones evolving how they recruit. At Yellow Bricks, we see this every day. […]

Join 2,500+ forward-thinking leaders.

People. Culture. Growth.
Unlock your leadership potential with our biweekly newsletter. No spam, only gold.