What Thriving Leadership Looks Like at Year-End

December is here. As we approach the end of the year, work pace seems to move in constant flux. Some projects are deep in 2026 planning, while others with 2025 deadlines feel frenzied. At this time of year, when energy can be low and calendars overflowing, the most impactful leaders are the ones who stay intentional - those who make space for reflection, empathy, and development. In the same way we focused on impact in October and connection in November, December invites us to consider our influence. How are you thriving as a leader, and how are you helping others do the same?

Leadership isn’t defined by a title or by the number of people you manage. It’s defined by your ability to create clarity, build trust, and inspire growth. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a colleague, or modeling resilience and self-awareness, leadership is about helping those around you feel seen, supported, and capable of success.

If you’re feeling the frenzy of year-end, here are a few ways to end 2025 thriving as a leader:

• Reflect on your leadership moments. Take time to look back on the year. When did you feel most confident as a leader? When did you struggle? Reflection builds self-awareness and can help you identify both what energizes you and what you’d like to approach differently in 2026.

• Ask, don’t assume. Leadership is about curiosity as much as direction. Ask your team or peers what’s helping them thrive right now, and what’s getting in their way. Sometimes the best development conversations start with a simple question and a willingness to listen.

• Invest in growth. Choose one small way to build your leadership muscles before the year ends—read a book, take a course, or connect with a mentor. It doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful. Progress compounds when you keep learning.

• Model balance and boundaries. The final weeks of the year often bring pressure to “push through.” Instead, demonstrate that thriving includes rest. Take time off, end the day on time, and encourage others to do the same. Teams mirror what they see.

• Celebrate and close with gratitude. Leadership is about lifting others up. A quick thank-you note, a team appreciation message, or a moment of acknowledgment can reinforce connection and motivation heading into the new year.

No matter whether you’re feeling stressed by the few remaining business days or simply coasting into 2026, now is the perfect time to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and how you want to grow in the year ahead. When leaders thrive, they create the conditions for others to do the same. Thriving leadership isn’t about perfection or control - it’s about presence, awareness, and the courage to grow alongside your team.

So as we wind up 2025, ask yourself: How will you show up as a thriving leader for yourself and for those around you as we head into 2026?