Happy New Year! Feliz Ano Novo!

I hope you enjoyed your break—did it go by as quickly for you as it did for me? I’m raring to get started on a fantastic 2025 with training workshops and coaching programs lined up; in this newsletter, you'll find 5 ways to set and stick to your leadership goals, 3 questions to defuse conflict if you’re dealing with a toxic culture, and a gentle reminder about our live audio event on the 21st January to help you kick off the year with a stress-free team.

Setting (and Sticking to) Your Leadership Goals

As we enter a new year, it’s tempting to set big, ambitious resolutions—only to feel the momentum dip by February. For leaders, that drop-off can be even more impactful because when you don’t follow through, your entire team feels it.

Here’s how to stay on track all year:

1. Break It Down Smaller Milestones: Instead of tackling one massive goal all at once, divide it into clear, achievable steps—like completing a specific project phase or scheduling a key meeting. Consider delegating these tasks to different team members, too. Not only does this spread out the workload, but it also provides a chance for teammates to learn new skills and grow their expertise—making the process more collaborative and rewarding for everyone involved.
2. Celebrate Wins: Each time you hit a milestone, reward yourself or the team. It can be as simple as a shout-out in a team meeting or a quick note of appreciation in Slack. Small celebrations keep morale high and energy flowing.
3. Track Your Progress Use a Visual Tool: A shared dashboard (Trello or Asana) or a quick weekly check-in document is an easy way to track tasks, deadlines, and achievements in one place.
4. Set Regular Checkpoints: Schedule a 15-minute review each Friday. By consistently examining what’s been done and what’s next, you boost accountability and prevent small issues from growing into big obstacles. It also feels great to tick that task off!
5. Build a Support System Ask for Feedback: Encourage peers, mentors, and your own team to offer insights. Sometimes a fresh perspective can uncover solutions you’d never see on your own. Leadership can be isolating. A coach provides an external viewpoint, helps you spot blind spots, and keeps you motivated. Think of it as having a dedicated partner whose sole focus is your growth and success—long after the New Year buzz has worn off. Remember, real change happens in small steps taken consistently. By breaking your goals down, tracking your progress, and tapping into support (including a coach), you’ll be well on your way to a productive and fulfilling year in leadership - Here’s to making 2025 the year you truly move the needle!

3 Conflict Resolution Questions to Diffuse Conflict at Work

We ran a leadership poll in 2024 and conflict came up high as an issue in the workplace by leaders and employees. With that in mind here are 3 simple questions that can help shift a heated conversation into a constructive dialogue:

1. “How do you see this situation from your point of view?” Why it works: It opens the door for the other person to share their side without feeling attacked. You’re acknowledging their viewpoint and creating space for collaboration.
2. “If we look beyond the immediate issue, what future outcome do we want to create together?” Why it works: This question encourages everyone to envision a positive, collaborative future. It highlights the bigger picture, preventing the conversation from getting stuck in past grievances.
3. “What steps can we take to bridge these differences?” Why it works: Conflict often arises when people feel their objectives aren’t being met. This phrase emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and helps pinpoint actionable steps to address each party’s concerns. Also you're using "we" language to help create a collaborative relationship.

Action Step: Use these phrases the next time tension arises. You’ll be surprised how quickly they can reframe the conversation and move it toward a productive resolution.

Live Audio Event: Learn How To Defuse Conflict and Boost Morale

There’s no reason to delay taking action; register now and make a positive change for your team and say goodbye to office politics and tension.

In my one-hour audio session, you’ll learn how to defuse conflict effectively and unlock those benefits by using a conflict model with 5 conflict styles to tap into.

We’ll cover:

?? A conflict model that will help you tap into 5 conflict styles to defuse conflict effectively.

?? Strategies to manage conflict better.

?? Advice on current conflict situations you're facing in real-time.

Conflict doesn’t have to hold your team back. Let’s turn it into a stepping stone for success—join me and discover how.

Register here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/learnhowtodefuseconflictonyourt7270374645080424448/theater/

Wishing you a successful January. Keep making headway on your goals, set yourself up for success, and remember to be kind to yourself along the way.

If you have questions about leadership or are interested in exploring these topics further through training programs or our executive coaching, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to support you!

Regards, Andrea