The New Year, New Leader Edition

New Year, new you—or so the saying goes. But after the ball has dropped and the confetti has settled, many resolutions fizzle out by February. In fact, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) reports that 88% of people who set New Year's resolutions fail before the end of January (hello, abandoned gym memberships). Now, it’s time to focus on your real New Year’s resolution. Commit to becoming the leader your team needs—one who inspires, empowers, and leaves a lasting legacy. Leadership growth doesn’t come from lofty promises or wishful thinking; it’s built one intentional step at a time, just like a solid S.M.A.R.T goal.

Leadership is about more than checking boxes or hitting KPIs—it’s about the ripple effect you create. A great leader’s impact extends far beyond their immediate achievements. It’s reflected in the people they nurture and the leaders they develop. Investing in your growth isn’t just an investment in yourself, it’s an investment in your team and the future of your organization.

This is the “New Year, New Leader Edition” of OH SN*P. Read on for insights into the importance of cultivating leaders, essential skills leaders need, and book recommendations to help you on your leadership journey.

Cultivating leaders - Renn Vara

“What we're experiencing isn't just a change in work patterns—it's a fundamental transition in leadership development. Leadership expert William Bridges would tell us that unsettled feelings are natural while we're in this neutral zone between old and new ways of growing leaders. This explains why simply replicating old patterns through video calls isn't enough.“

SNP co-founder, Renn Vara , shares his thoughts on the importance of leadership, and the new way we must cultivate leaders today.

Click here to read --> https://bit.ly/4aNBuLG

5 essential skills for senior leaders

Leadership is more than a title—it’s the ability to inspire teams, navigate challenges, and drive meaningful impact. Mastering these essential skills is what sets senior leaders apart:

1. Executive Presence - Great leaders don’t just show up—they command attention. Executive presence is the ability to project confidence, credibility, and trustworthiness, whether you're leading a virtual town hall or presenting to a boardroom. It’s about the way you walk into a room—and the ability to make others listen and be motivated to action. ?
2. Strategic Communication - The best leaders know that words are powerful tools. Strategic communication goes beyond delivering a clear message—it’s about influencing diverse audiences, rallying teams around a common vision, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. ?
3. Empowered Delegation - No leader can do it all alone. Senior leaders succeed by empowering their teams to take ownership of responsibilities. Effective delegation means identifying strengths, trusting others to execute, and creating a culture of accountability and growth. ?
4. Cross-Functional Influence - Today’s challenges require leaders to operate beyond their own teams. Cross-functional influence is about building relationships, bridging silos, and driving collaboration across departments. It’s a skill that enables leaders to create unity and deliver results at scale. ?
5. Resilient Decision-Making - In leadership, every decision carries weight. Resilient decision-making is about balancing intuition with data, staying calm under pressure, and making confident choices—even in the face of uncertainty.

When leaders focus on developing these core skills, they’re better equipped to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and leave a lasting impact on their organizations. True leadership is earned through consistent growth and commitment—what will you do to take your leadership to the next level?

SNP presents... Eighty Five

Leadership isn’t about shortcuts—Leadership is earned. It’s about showing up and doing the work. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce Eighty Five, our three-day intensive leadership development program for senior leaders launching this April.?

With over 30 years of experience partnering with the leaders who “get it,” Eighty Five zeroes in on the skills that drive 85% of career success: presence, listening, facilitating, communicating, and leading. These essential skills go beyond individual performance—they create transformative results that resonate across teams and organizations. Whether you’re a senior leader ready to sharpen your skills or an executive preparing the next generation of leaders, Eighty-Five is the investment that delivers measurable leadership impact.

Click here to learn more --> https://bit.ly/40LEm7g

The leadership library

Every great leader is also a lifelong learner, and what better way to sharpen your skills than with a few game-changing reads? Whether you want to refine your decision-making or master the art of connection, this month’s book recommendations have you covered.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by?Daniel Kahneman

Why do we make snap judgments that turn out to be right—or sometimes completely off the mark? In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman unpacks the two systems that drive our decisions: System 1 (fast, intuitive, emotional) and System 2 (slow, deliberate, analytical). For leaders, understanding these mental processes is a game-changer. This book equips you with the tools to recognize cognitive biases, make smarter decisions, and create a culture of thoughtful, strategic thinking. If you want to sharpen your leadership instincts while grounding them in analytical precision, this is your go-to read for 2025.

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg

Great leadership starts with great communication. In Supercommunicators, Charles Duhigg breaks down conversations into three types: Practical (getting things done), Emotional (building connection), and Social (shaping identity). The real magic? Learning conversations—where listening goes beyond waiting for your turn to speak. For leaders looking to foster trust, strengthen teams, and actually be heard, this book is a must-read. Because communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you connect.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Want to inspire your team, not just manage them? Start with Why by Simon Sinek is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. His Golden Circle Framework—Why (Purpose), How (Process), and What (Product)—shows that the most influential leaders don’t just explain what they do, but why they do it. Whether you’re rallying your team, shaping your brand, or giving a high-stakes presentation, starting with why builds trust, motivation, and lasting impact.

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