What step can you take as a leader of a legal team in 2025?

Written by Anouk Schaap – Leadership Mentor

Leadership is about inspiration—about truly getting to know yourself so you can help others develop their talents. As the year draws to a close, this is the perfect time to reflect on your role as a leader. What thoughts, often unconscious, guide your decisions? And what beliefs do you hold about leadership that might not be accurate? By pausing to consider these questions, you can create an action plan to make 2025 a year of growth and flourishing for both you and your team.

Who are you as a leader?

Leadership starts with knowing who you are. Not to dominate others, but to inspire them. To show them their unique talents and how to use them. As a leader, it’s your job to discover yourself so you can help others reach their full potential. It’s a journey that’s not just about knowledge but also about self-awareness and growth. It’s less about what you do and more about who you become.

You were born a leader, but it’s up to you to truly become one.

How do you think?

Your thoughts shape everything—every word you speak, every choice you make. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your own thinking. What (unconscious) thoughts are driving your leadership?

For example, imagine there’s division during a team meeting. You try to guide the discussion, but no consensus is reached.

Ask yourself: What was going through my mind when we couldn’t reach a consensus? How did my thoughts influence that situation? Often, fears or old beliefs play a background role.

Taking time to reflect after such situations can be invaluable. Before moving on, spend half an hour examining your thoughts. Let these insights strengthen your leadership.

“We are what we think, and we become what we continue to think.” — Myles Munroe

The final months of the year are ideal for looking back on your leadership. Ask yourself:

• What false beliefs have I accepted about my leadership?
• How have my parents or siblings influenced my view of leadership?
• What steps can I take to grow further as a leader in the coming year?

Growth in self-awareness is key for leaders who want to develop and make an impact.

Make 2025 your year of growth

Since 2023, House has been offering General Counsel Mentoring—a unique opportunity to grow in leadership alongside providing legal services. Under the guidance of House partner Anouk Schaap, CEO of Rock Solid Leadership, you’ll receive unconditional support and professional advice.

Are you ready to work on your leadership and grow both personally and professionally? Our General Counsel Mentoring—which includes an intake session and five inspiring Legal Walks—currently has two spots available for 2025. Is one of them yours? If you’d like, you can also schedule a free online introduction with Anouk to learn more.

Get in touch with us at: info@house-legal.nl.