Five Leadership Patterns Set to Influence 2025's Landscape
In our rapidly evolving world, predicting the future can be a challenge. However, here are five forward-thinking trends leaders should watch out for in 2025:
1. The surge of autonomous AI...
Autonomous artificial intelligence (autonomous AI) is an advanced form of AI that takes control of tasks and problem-solving without human intervention. "The capability of leaders to utilize autonomous AI could introduce a digitally powered workforce that is more potent, efficient, and precise than any previous tools they have utilized," suggests Chetan Dube, CEO of Quant, a pioneer in innovative digital human resource technology. "The capacity of autonomous AI to handle intricate tasks in areas such as content creation, customer service, HR, IT support, and sales will not only bring valuable efficiencies, but will also grant leaders the opportunity to focus primarily on growing their business."
2. ... while acknowledging the role of humans
"If one of the most prominent trends of this year was the expansion and infiltration of AI in various aspects of our jobs, 2025 will witness a return to human-centric values," asserts Tim Duggan, author of Work Backwards. "We all acknowledge that AI will take over repetitive and process-decision tasks, but I believe that 2025 will bring a noteworthy shift in recognizing that technology performs best with actual humans steering the course."
Several experts also anticipate a shift towards more human-oriented AI, such as Dr Alexandra Diening, a research scientist and author of A Strategy for Human-AI Symbiosis. "As companies move beyond automation, many are starting to perceive the risks associated with poorly developed AI strategies," she says. "When AI is integrated without deliberate design, it can result in parasitic systems – where AI reaps temporary benefits such as increased efficiency, but at the expense of exhausting employee skills, company innovation culture, and long-term business viability."
According to Diening, true human-AI synergy requires a systematic design approach to ensure that AI systems complement human strengths rather than replace them. She recommends establishing environments that enable employees to effectively collaborate with AI and align AI tools with human-centered principles that enhance adaptability, creativity, and decision-making.
3. The bloom of fractional leadership
"The boom in freelancing will persist, but in 2025 we will witness significant growth in freelance C-level talent," explains Sara Daw, author of Strategy and Leadership as a Service and group CEO of fractional CFO provider The CFO Centre. She foresees an increasing number of C-suite professionals who choose to leave traditional employment, transitioning to an "access role" to seek more freedom, flexibility, variety, and control over their lives, as well as purpose within their work.
"Entrepreneurial organizations that don't require, cannot afford, or do not desire a full-time C-Suite will still be able to leveraged the essential skills required to scale on a flexible basis," Daw predicts. "Leaders can engage with non-threatening fractional CxOs to work on specialist tasks, offering dynamic access to wide and deep pools of C-suite expertise on-demand."
4. Neurodiversity will be better supported at the workplace
"Half of neurodivergent employees want to leave their jobs or already have, due to a lack of support from their employer," argues Alex Partridge, author of Now It All Makes Sense. As more leaders recognize the advantages of having a neurodiverse workforce, they will become more proactive in accommodating neurodivergent employees.
Simple workplace accommodations such as flexible start times, remote working options, walking meetings, advance meeting agendas, and written meeting minutes can all help alleviate workplace anxiety for neurodivergent staff, explains Partridge. "Furthermore, when supported, neurodivergent employees will be happier and more productive. This will enable businesses to benefit from the numerous strengths associated with being neurodivergent, including increased creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, problem-solving skills, pattern recognition, and hyper-focus."
5. A revitalized focus on culture and wellbeing
A strong organizational culture can help leaders navigate the expected challenging economic climate in 2025. Leaders should recognize that culture is not just about behaviors but also about infrastructure, suggests culture change expert Andrew Saffron, author of Better Culture, Faster.
Effective leadership skills are crucial to building a better culture and enhancing productivity. Therefore, it's vital that leaders upskill their middle managers in 2025, says Dominic Ashley-Timms, CEO of performance consultancy Notion, creator of the STAR Manager development program, and co-author of The Answer is a Question. In fact, he predicts that 2025 will become the "year of the manager."
Furthermore, the shifting trend towards an employee-focused workplace will continue to gain momentum, with 2025 emphasizing overall wellbeing, adaptability, and ongoing development, according to Mark Price, founder of digital platform WorkL and author of Happy Economics. "In this future-oriented model, organizations will recognize that empowering employees boosts productivity, loyalty, and innovation. Therefore, we will witness developments such as remote and hybrid working as customary practices, personalized professional development, and a renewed emphasis on mental health resources."
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In 2025, the leadership trend of acknowledging the role of humans in AI operation is expected, as highlighted by Tim Duggan in his book "Work Backwards". This shift aims to maximize the potential of both humans and AI, avoiding situations where AI parasitically drains resources and skills from the workforce.
Furthermore, in the realm of leadership trends for 2025, agentic AI will play a significant role, as predicted by Chetan Dube of Quant. This advancement in AI will enable leaders to direct their focus towards business growth, while autonomous AI manages various tasks such as content creation and customer service.
