Preparing Your Team for a Powerful Impact in 2025: The Foundation for Success in the New Year

By Kevin Britz

As we stand on the brink of a new year, it’s a time for reflection, recalibration, and preparation. The dawn of 2025 brings new challenges, opportunities, and a heightened demand for adaptability, resilience, and innovation. Organizations are stepping into an era where the future of work requires more than just technical skills; it calls for teams that are agile, creative, and driven by purpose. The question is: Are we prepared to lead our teams to thrive in this evolving landscape?

Over the past year, I’ve dedicated myself to helping leaders develop high-performance teams grounded in the essential human skills that will shape the future. Based on the WINGS framework and the Skill vs. Will model, the focus is not just on meeting targets but on building resilient, adaptable, and innovative teams capable of making a strong impact. This new year, I urge leaders to invest in preparing their teams not just to survive, but to thrive and lead with impact.

Why Preparation Matters: Laying the Foundation for 2025

The future of work is uncertain, and while technology and automation are accelerating change, the foundation of a high-performing team lies in human intelligence and potential. Leaders who proactively prepare their teams for what lies ahead set the tone for success, adaptability, and sustained growth.

Preparation isn’t about just setting goals; it’s about empowering each team member to develop the skills, mindset, and motivation they need to thrive. Here are the key areas to focus on as you prepare your teams for a powerful impact in 2025.

1. Reinforce Core Human Skills with the WINGS Framework

The WINGS framework (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Social Intelligence, Self-Management, and Attention Management) is the backbone of high-performance in an unpredictable world. For 2025, these skills will be essential for teams facing new challenges and adapting to the evolving demands of the workplace.

• Creativity: Encourage your team to think outside the box. Creativity fuels innovation, and it’s the key to finding unique solutions in complex situations. Foster a culture where ideas are valued, risks are celebrated, and failure is seen as a stepping stone to growth.
• Critical Thinking: Equip your team with the tools to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. Facilitate open discussions and challenge assumptions. When teams think critically, they become better problem-solvers, capable of navigating uncertainty with confidence.
• Social Intelligence: Strong teams are built on trust, empathy, and connection. In 2025, leaders will need teams that work well together, respect differences, and can effectively collaborate. Invest in team-building exercises and create an environment where everyone feels valued.
• Self-Management: High performers aren’t just skilled; they’re disciplined, focused, and resilient. As we enter a new year, support your team in building routines and habits that strengthen their self-management abilities. Encourage accountability and empower them to take ownership of their roles.
• Attention Management: In a world filled with distractions, attention is a superpower. Help your team prioritize, stay present, and maintain focus on their goals. This can be achieved through setting clear priorities, reducing unnecessary noise, and practicing mindfulness.

2. Apply the Skill vs. Will Model to Develop Personalized Growth Plans

Not all team members start the year with the same motivation or capabilities. The Skill vs. Will model is a powerful tool for leaders to assess individual needs and tailor support accordingly.

• High Skill, High Will: These team members are ready to make a big impact. Empower them with more autonomy and challenging projects that align with their strengths. Let them lead initiatives and encourage them to mentor others, creating a ripple effect of excellence.
• High Skill, Low Will: Sometimes even the most skilled team members can feel unmotivated. Work with them to re-engage their sense of purpose and passion. Find out what they need to feel more invested in their work—whether it’s new challenges, professional growth, or a realignment of their role.
• Low Skill, High Will: These individuals are eager to contribute but may need more guidance. Invest in their growth by providing training, mentorship, or upskilling opportunities. This will strengthen their capabilities while keeping their motivation high.
• Low Skill, Low Will: These team members may need deeper support. Engage in open conversations to identify the root of their challenges and explore ways to re-engage or reposition them. Sometimes, a fresh start or a new focus area can rekindle their drive.

By understanding and leveraging this model, leaders can approach each team member’s development journey with empathy and strategy, creating a team that’s cohesive, engaged, and empowered.

3. Cultivate a Culture of Resilience and Adaptability

2025 will bring changes we may not yet foresee. To navigate the unknown, teams need to be resilient and adaptable. This isn’t just about reacting to change but about embracing it as a growth opportunity. Here’s how you can build resilience within your team:

• Encourage Continuous Learning: Make learning a core value within your team. Provide resources, encourage skill development, and recognize those who seek to grow. The more your team invests in learning, the better equipped they will be to adapt to new challenges.
• Promote Psychological Safety: Create a safe space for open dialogue, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, expressing concerns, and taking risks. When people feel safe, they’re more willing to innovate, collaborate, and contribute fully.
• Model Adaptability: As a leader, show your team that adaptability is not just a requirement—it’s a mindset. Be transparent about changes, demonstrate a flexible approach, and lead by example. When your team sees adaptability in action, they’re more likely to adopt it themselves.

4. Set Clear Goals and Intentions for the New Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset and realign with the team’s purpose. In 2025, it’s essential to set clear goals that not only drive results but also align with a sense of purpose and meaning. Take time to define these intentions with your team, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

• Create a Shared Vision: Engage your team in setting a shared vision for 2025. This is not just about reaching targets; it’s about creating a direction that resonates with everyone. When people feel connected to a larger purpose, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work.
• Break Goals into Milestones: Large goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into achievable milestones to give your team a sense of progress and momentum. Celebrate each milestone to keep motivation high and maintain focus on the end goal.
• Align Goals with Growth: Ensure that each team member’s goals support both their personal growth and the team’s collective success. This alignment creates a mutually beneficial dynamic where individuals and teams grow together, enhancing engagement and satisfaction

The Time to Prepare is Now

2025 is right around the corner, and now is the time to prepare. This new year isn’t just an opportunity to achieve business goals; it’s a chance to create meaningful impact, foster resilience, and unlock the human potential within your teams. By focusing on the WINGS framework, applying the Skill vs. Will model, and cultivating a culture of adaptability, you’ll empower your team to not just perform but to excel in a way that leaves a lasting mark.

My ikigai—my reason for being—is to help others realize their pure potential. It’s about empowering individuals and teams to do more than they thought possible, to reach new heights, and to leave a positive impact. As we move into 2025, I invite you to embrace this journey of growth, for yourself and your teams. Together, let’s make this new year one of powerful impact, purpose, and possibility.

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