Leader and manager development tops 2025 HR priorities

Leader and manager development remains the number one priority for HR leaders as they prepare for 2025, according to a recent survey by Gartner. This marks the third consecutive year that leadership development has topped the list, with over 1,400 HR professionals surveyed. The continued focus comes as managers report feeling overwhelmed by their expanding responsibilities and unprepared to lead through change.

The survey revealed that 75% of managers feel under-equipped to handle the growing complexity of their roles, despite organisations investing significantly in leadership development programmes. Traditional approaches such as seminars and lectures have not delivered the desired impact, and many organisations are rethinking their strategies. Gartner recommends shifting towards methods that emphasise peer networking, team building, and practical experiences to foster more effective leadership.

Karen Smart, head of consultancy at AoEC, highlights the value of a coaching approach to leadership: “Embedding coaching skills into leadership development plans is essential to address the growing complexity managers face. A coaching approach builds confidence in direct reports and fosters psychological safety and connection within teams, enabling stronger engagement and resilience in times of change. Crucially, it also unlocks efficiencies in teams and across the organisation by promoting better collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.”

Smart further explained how a coaching approach bridges the gap between theory and practice: “Rather than relying solely on traditional training, coaching encourages leaders to apply learning in real time, helping them to build a culture that supports continuous improvement. This not only enhances engagement but also makes teams more agile and better equipped to meet future challenges, all while streamlining processes and improving overall organisational efficiency.”

The survey also flagged organisational culture as a key challenge, with more than half of HR leaders reporting that managers fail to enforce the desired cultural values within their teams. Furthermore, 57% said leaders do not feel accountable for demonstrating the organisation’s culture. This lack of clarity risks undermining engagement, with disconnected teams struggling to align with broader organisational goals.

As organisations face increasing pressure from external factors such as the rise of AI and shifts in the labour market, addressing these issues is crucial. HR leaders will need to focus on creating cultures that foster connection and collaboration while also equipping managers with the tools and support they need to lead effectively. Gartner’s findings suggest that without clear leadership and a strong organisational culture, businesses will struggle to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world of work.

With leadership development and cultural alignment taking centre stage, HR leaders are encouraged to take a more strategic approach to workforce planning, ensuring their talent strategies align with the future needs of their organisations.