Welcome to the final CareerSteps Insights of 2024! As the year draws to a close, it's a wonderful time for reflection, celebration, and planning ahead. I’m excited to share this month’s highlights, insights, and resources to help you prepare for an impactful 2025. Let’s dive in!
Expert Advice: The Power of Year-End Reflection
Reflection is a key ingredient for growth, and the end of the year is the perfect time to do it. In my recent video, I share three powerful questions to guide your reflection:
What am I most proud of this year?
What would I do differently?
What do I dream of achieving next year?
Taking even a small amount of time to pause, reflect, and answer these questions can set the foundation for a transformative 2025.
Client Success Story: Emotional Intelligence in Action
One of my clients, Sarah* (*name changed for privacy), came to me after receiving feedback about her emotional intelligence. She was a high achiever—studying for her MBA while excelling in her role at a global pharma company. But her driven, "go-getter" personality sometimes led to frustration that strained her relationships at work.
In our coaching sessions, we explored how she could channel that same drive into building stronger connections. Sarah practiced techniques like pausing to breathe during stressful moments and taking a step back before responding in high-pressure situations. We also tapped into her successes in other areas of her life to show her how she could apply those same strategies at work.
Reflecting on our work together, Sarah shared: "I have been working with Eric for 2 years, during which he provided excellent coaching skills, high ability to listen and remember the details. His coaching has supported me to enhance and improve my emotional intelligence and with his guidance I managed to progress in my career."
Within a few months, Sarah noticed a significant shift—her team began responding more positively, and she started receiving praise for her collaborative approach. By the end of the year, Sarah was offered a global leadership role in her area of passion, one she describes as her "dream job."
Her journey is proof that emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a transformative skill that can unlock doors to the next level of your career.
Practical Tips: Start 2025 Strong
The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to reset and set yourself up for success. I mentioned this in my post on December 26th, and I’d like to expand on it here.
Here are three essential actions to kickstart 2025 with clarity and purpose:
Set Clear Goals: Take time to define what success looks like for you, both personally and professionally. Break these goals down into specific, measurable steps, and assign realistic timelines. This clarity will not only direct your actions but also help you measure your progress and celebrate milestones along the way.
Organize Your Space: A tidy workspace—both physical and digital—can work wonders for your focus and productivity. Start by decluttering your desk and inbox, organizing files, and creating a system that minimizes distractions. A clear space reflects a clear mind, setting the stage for deeper focus and creativity.
Commit to Self-Care: Your health and well-being are the foundations of sustained success. Prioritize activities that replenish your energy and focus, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. Remember, taking care of yourself is not indulgent—it’s essential for your long-term performance.
What steps will you take to start the year off right? Let me know—I’d love to hear about your plans for 2025!
Industry Insights: The Top Skills to Master in 2025
As we navigate an era of rapid technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital tools dominate conversations about the future of work. While it's true that AI expertise is increasingly in demand, emotional intelligence (EI) continues to hold its place as one of the most critical predictors of career success.
According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023, skills such as emotional intelligence, leadership, and social influence remain among the top competencies employers seek, even as technological skills rise in prominence. Why? Because while AI can analyze data and automate tasks, it cannot replicate the empathy, adaptability, and interpersonal connection required to lead effectively, build trust, and navigate complex team dynamics.
Emotional intelligence—encompassing skills like self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage relationships—has consistently been a top predictor of upward career mobility over the last decade. Strong leadership and effective communication are equally timeless, enabling professionals to inspire and collaborate across diverse environments.
So, as you plan your professional growth for 2025, don’t just focus on mastering new technologies. Balance it with sharpening your EI and leadership capabilities—they remain your ultimate edge in the workplace.
Need help developing these timeless skills? Let’s connect.
Personal Reflections: My Career Lessons from 2024
This year, I’ve celebrated wins and embraced challenges. Here are a few highlights:
Coaching 30+ clients to step into leadership roles.
Launching my revamped website and testing new marketing strategies.
Building habits like daily Korean practice and consistent fitness routines.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to align my services with market needs and help even more professionals thrive in 2025. What was your biggest career lesson in 2024? Let’s share and inspire each other!
Book and Resource Recommendations
This month, I recommend:
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear: A brilliant guide to building small habits for big results.
SCARF Model by David Rock: A framework for understanding how social needs influence workplace dynamics.
The Art of Influence - My upcoming Webinar on January 29.
Q&A: Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s the first step I should take to prepare for a leadership role?
A: The most important step is to develop your emotional intelligence—it’s a cornerstone of effective leadership. And it starts with a simple but powerful practice: acknowledging and recognizing your emotions.
Begin by naming what you’re feeling in the moment—whether it’s frustration, excitement, or anxiety. Once you’ve identified the emotion, you can take small but impactful steps to channel it positively. Techniques like deep breathing, taking a pause before reacting, or visualizing a desired outcome can help you regain control. You can also practice searching for the positive in challenging situations—this mindset shift can make a world of difference.
The ultimate goal? To stay grounded and calm under pressure. The day you find yourself smiling when the bus leaves without you, you’ll know you’ve mastered emotional control—and that’s a leadership skill that will set you apart.
Have a question you’d like me to answer in the next newsletter? Reply to this email—I’d love to hear from you!
Have You Seen the New Website? I’d Love Your Feedback!
Last month, I launched a completely revamped version of my website, designed to better reflect my focus on helping high-performing professionals step into leadership roles. It’s packed with resources, event details, and insights to support your career journey.
I’d love to hear what you think! Is the information easy to find? Does it address your needs? If you have a moment, please visit CareerSteps.ch and share your feedback. Your input will help me make the website even better for you and others in our community.
Thank you in advance for helping me create a more helpful experience!
Conclusion
As we step into 2025, I want to thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’m here to support you every step of the way as you aim higher, take on new challenges, and make a bigger impact. Together, let’s make 2025 a breakthrough year!
Join me at one of my upcoming events to kickstart 2025 with purpose and clarity:
Attend my PMI workshop in Geneva on “Evaluating Your Sponsor.” Details here.
Register for my webinar on “The Art of Influence” on January 29. Sign up here.
Enroll in my Career Accelerator Program to gain the confidence and clarity to reach your career goals in 2025. Learn more here.
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