Leadership hacks for agents in 2025

For leaders, however, your focus around this time of the year is understandably around the direction you want to take your business in – revenue targets, market share and rent roll volumes. However, I’d like to challenge something around this. I know that goals are important, but they are hovering somewhere indistinctly in the future. Because we are future-focused, we tend to forget about identifying parts of our current leadership identity that will allow us to become the leaders we need to be to achieve our goals.

Through working with clients I’ve identified six key areas of leadership that I believe will be crucial for driving business success in 2025. These insights are grounded in generational trends and informed by countless studies and research papers on leadership and workforce dynamics. As our workforce’s human traits and priorities continue to shift, it’s clear that leadership must evolve to stay aligned with these changes.

1. Redefine your boundaries

In both work and life, we often allow interruptions to derail our focus and progress. These distractions can hinder productivity and create inconsistencies in our leadership, leading to frustration among team members and clients. By establishing clear boundaries, we create the space needed to execute effectively while providing our teams and clients with clear expectations for engagement. This not only enhances our efficiency, but also reassures others of our availability and commitment to supporting them at the right times.

2. Adapt your language to modern thinking for better engagement

The core concepts of success remain relevant, but the outdated language we often use to convey them can fail to inspire and connect with today’s workforce. Our language has not evolved alongside societal shifts, leading to disengagement, particularly among younger generations now dominating the workplace. We don’t need to abandon principles like “discipline” and “consistency”, as they remain crucial. However, reframing them as “focus” and “commitment to the goal” can resonate more deeply, fostering greater understanding and motivation within our teams.

3. Build a ‘goodwill economy’ with your community

By donating your skills and a small amount of your time to support the local community, you create a ripple effect of positivity that benefits everyone. In 2024, goodwill has become one of the most valued currencies, with people increasingly seeking a sense of connection and belonging. Offering support to community groups and local businesses not only strengthens your reputation as a leader, but also positions your business as a vital part of the collective. Additionally, your team gains the satisfaction of contributing to something larger than themselves – a crucial motivator in today’s workforce.

4. Introduce a monthly anonymous wellbeing survey with collaborative ideas section

Even the most personable leaders can face challenges in receiving honest, transparent feedback due to the natural pressures of hierarchy. Implementing an anonymous survey that includes space for 360-degree feedback and business improvement ideas creates a safe channel for your team to voice concerns and suggest innovations. This approach not only provides real-time insights into team morale, but also fosters a culture of open communication and problem-solving. Once feedback is collected, share a summary with the team (without singling anyone out), take actionable steps to address key points, or provide clear context where changes aren’t possible. This transparency helps build trust and encourages a proactive, engaged workforce.

5. Learn something new

Research shows that our creative brains can stagnate without regular stimulation, leading to monotony and a lack of personal growth. Additionally, when we’re not challenged, we can unintentionally develop an inflated sense of confidence. Committing to learn a new skill or craft – especially one you’re not naturally good at –keeps your mind sharp and helps you stay grounded. Exploring something outside your comfort zone not only refreshes your perspective, but also reminds you to stay curious and hungry for success. A fresh mind is crucial for innovation, and that can’t happen if your focus is solely locked on your business.

6. Assess your tech stack for simplicity and efficiency

Throughout the year, it’s easy to accumulate subscriptions, tools and software that seem helpful in the moment. With the pace slowing down, now is the perfect time to audit all the platforms and tools your business is using. Engage your team to identify which ones are actually essential and effective in their daily operations. Streamlining your tech stack not only reduces unnecessary costs, but also minimises the confusion and stress caused by an overwhelming array of tools.

Take some time to reflect on these six key leadership areas before diving into goal-setting. This reflection will help shape a clear vision of your evolved leadership identity – how it looks, sounds and feels. By grounding yourself in this foundation, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to tackle bigger goals in 2025, making them feel more attainable for both you and your team.

Andy Reid is an auctioneer, speaker, podcast host, and author of Success Curious.