Source: www.inc.com
Here are three conversations managers must have to kick off the new year on a high note.
If you want to hit the ground running in 2025 while leading your team, there are three key conversations you should have, according to leadership experts. First off, a little context:
Good listening, which we tend to ignore, is super important for great communication. With all the tech we use, we often forget to really listen and miss out on how valuable this skill can be for our businesses. Let’s keep that in mind as you read further.
Some interesting research I’ve tracked over the years shows that the best leaders have mastered the art of “organizational conversation,” which means they interact with their teams in a more personable way, as if it were two people having a conversation.
Leaders who get this know when to stop talking and giving out more tasks and start listening to people’s insights and ideas. When you truly pay attention to what people are saying, it builds stronger connections and shows respect for everyone, no matter their position.
Three Important Conversations for the New Year
At the beginning of every year, I always advise my executive clients to build up their active listening skills, because they’re going to need them to solve problems, build trust, and connect with their team.
With that said, here are three important conversations to kick off 2025, some of which will require more listening than talking:
1. Talk about performance expectations.
It’s essential to be clear about what’s expected right from the start. Great leaders set the tone for the year by laying out clear goals for each team member and explaining exactly what success looks like in their roles.
2. Explore whether employees’ skills and strengths are being used fully.
Some team members might have talents that weren’t tapped into this year. Be open to discussing how to engage them better and make the most of their skills. Then listen to what they have to say and put the feedback into action. You might ask questions like:
- “Were your talents and skills aligned with our major projects?”
- “Do you think you could contribute to future work in ways you weren’t asked to before?”
3. Make sure your top people are getting enough recognition.
Start this conversation with something straightforward: “Do you feel recognized for your work and contributions?” This can be a sensitive topic, so listen actively. It’s important, because feeling appreciated has been linked to keeping employees around longer.
Having these conversations can really help strengthen your team dynamic as the new year begins.