Leadership and Leader Development in 2025

Lars Barenkopf

A blog about the first 6 months back at Learn2Lead®, part of The Influence Company and Bureau Zuidema. How do I view leadership in 2025, and why is what we do just as relevant in 2025 as it was in 1972 when we held the first open Power2Influence course in Denmark.

Leadership and Leader Development in 2025

Despite having been away from the consulting and leadership training industry for more than 10 years, my return to Learn2Lead has made it clear that leadership and the way we train leaders remain as relevant as ever. A testament to this is that for over 40 years, we have conducted the same open course on personal power and influence, Power2Influence®, with more than 40,000 Danish leaders participating. I have reflected on this and hope you will read along and share your thoughts and insights.

Why communication, respect, and personal power are more relevant than ever

In 2025, we face a world where change happens faster than ever. Technology, globalization, and new ways of working are reshaping how we operate—but one thing remains constant: effective leadership is still about developing people. In this context, the Influence Model® is a powerful tool for leaders who want to drive growth and engagement within their teams.

But how do we merge modern demands for flexibility, innovation, and digitalization with timeless leadership principles such as communication, respect, and personal impact? Let’s explore how it all connects.

The Influence Model®: A tool for effective self and people development

The Influence Model® is about understanding how, as a leader, you can influence and develop the people you lead. It starts with self-awareness, understanding your own behavior and, through this, gaining insight into how you influence and are influenced by others. Leadership is not about delegating tasks or holding authority; it is about building trust, inspiring employees to follow you willingly, and using your personal power to help them grow. Ultimately, leadership is about achieving results while building lasting relationships.

The model is based on several key elements:

1. Credibility :To influence others, you must earn their trust. This is built through consistency, honesty, and personal impact.
2. Relationships: Developing people requires strong relational understanding. Leaders who invest in their employees’ development and motivation create higher engagement and better results.
3. Emotional intelligence: Navigating human relationships and understanding how people respond to different leadership styles and situations is crucial.
4. Targeted communication: Effective leadership requires the ability to articulate vision and goals clearly and inspiringly.
5. Decisiveness: The ability to make necessary decisions, execute them with confidence, and follow through.

Communication, respect, and personal power: Timeless leadership principles

While we discuss new technologies and modern working methods, fundamental human values remain the driving force behind successful leadership. Looking at communication, it is evident that a leader’s ability to communicate clearly and honestly has always been, and always will be, essential for achieving results.

Communication is key

In a world filled with digital communication and virtual interactions, it is even more critical to communicate in a way that fosters understanding and connection. This means actively listening, being transparent, and ensuring that everyone feels heard. The best leaders are those who can convey their vision while creating space for feedback and dialogue—and who can make decisive calls when necessary to drive progress.

Respect for the individual

Respect has always been a cornerstone of effective leadership, and this remains true in 2025. With a growing focus on diversity, inclusion, and well-being, leaders must recognize and appreciate their employees’ individual needs and preferences. Cultivating a culture where people feel valued and understood fosters engagement and productivity.

Personal Power

While leadership is about teamwork, a leader must also possess personal power. This does not mean being dominant or controlling but rather having the courage to make decisions and stand by them. A leader with impact inspires others to follow—not out of fear but out of respect and trust.

What does this mean for leadership in 2025?

As a leader in 2025, it is no longer enough to possess strong technical or industry knowledge. The modern leader must be adaptable, inspire people to perform at their best, and, at the same time, be someone who communicates effectively and with respect.

The Influence Model® provides a structured approach to developing personal leadership capacity, while timeless principles like communication, respect, and personal impact form the foundation for long-term success. Whether you lead a startup, an established company, or a public organization, these values will remain the cornerstones of strong and effective leadership in the years to come.

Leadership is human

Leadership in 2025 is still deeply human. Technologies and business strategies will come and go, but a leader who communicates with clarity, shows respect for their employees, and demonstrates personal impact will always be the one who inspires growth and development.

So, what does this mean for you as a leader? It means continuing to invest in your human skills, listening more, understanding more, and having the courage to lead with both heart and mind. This is how we create leaders who not only lead but inspire.