2024 is going to be an interesting year. There are plenty of unique obstacles we will face this year, but there are also plenty of opportunities. In episode 388 of Stay Forth Leadership Podcast I share my predictions for the upcoming year, but I also share thoughts from catalytic leaders I trust from various fields. This info is GOLD! 

We believe healthy leadership is proactive, not reactive. As you are in the midst of planning and setting goals for 2024 this information can be helpful for you. 

If you’re a hungry leader who cares about your health and impact and wants to grow in 2024 we’ve designed the EFFECTIVE LEADER COHORT for you. You’ll learn and practice 8 core skills of leadership in just 8 weeks. It will stretch you, but this is an awesome group of leaders across fields. It’s a great way to start your year in January. We host two live cohorts; one of Tuesday and one on Thursday. Register here.

Obstacles I see for 2024

Fear and division: Navigating division in an election year personally and guiding others through it will be challenging. Keeping teams and churches unified amidst a divisive year will take true leadership!   

Distractions: Fighting through distractions in all areas of life from technology to politics to the economy. Leaders have been highly distracted and, on the whole, distraction will spike even more this year.

The economic squeeze: Things are expensive, budgets are tight, people are financially worn down and morale is down. We’ll have to do more with less.

Disconnection: People continue to be disconnected and lonely. Remote work shifts from the last three years are catching up to people and they are lonely. 

Opportunities I see for 2024

Focusing on living healthy rhythms. Leaders will set the tone in their environments, so if they can tend to their health relationally, emotionally and  spiritually they can lead grounded and healthy. 

Creating safe spaces for conversation. Amidst the fear and division people need safe spaces for conversation in person. There may need to be ground rules for these conversations, but if they are wisely led they can be very fruitful.

Focusing back on the essentials personally and organizationally. Go back to the essentials of what matters to you personally and what matters to those you serve. Amidst a few distracting years we stopped doing many of the things we used to and some of those served us well and kept us healthy, effective or successful.

Doing more with less. I believe the adage “limitation breeds innovation” will be helpful in many ways this year. Business leaders are using a phrase “Survive til ’25”. This indicates a general belief if we can survive this challenging year there are good things on the other side. This may not be the year to take big risks, but instead to focus on what you and your organization does well.

Creating connection. From micro one-on-one connections to macro gatherings leaders have an opportunity to create spaces for conversation and heart-to-heart connection. Technology options like video texts and Marco Polo can help create this at a distance also, but many leaders should consider emerging from their home offices several days a week to work from co-working spaces and reset their rhythms of regularly being around people (this belief is one reasoned I partnered to launch a hub, co-working and event space this year). 

Going on a social media diet or fast. While some leaders will create spaces for connection online many should consider limiting their social media intake. During the last election we were glued to screens more than ever, and it increased the pain and disorientation leaders were experiencing (often from watching others behave poorly online). Setting an example for others in this area could be helpful.

Obstacles from leaders I respect

Leadership development—starting with recruiting and developing volunteers all the way way up to developing staff.

Fighting cynicism in others and ourselves

Technology advances, especially AI (obstacle and opportunity)

Distractions – opportunities, new endeavors, side projects, drama, politics, trends, and the 24 hour news cycle.

Funding – post Covid generosity and giving looks different. Many leaders will be faced with changing giving trends and either adapt or pack up shop.

Ourselves: pride, selfishness, greed, impatience.

Team member commitment: trying to get more out of the team you have

Remote and hybrid work challenges – Leaders will have to re-learn how to lead teams. Workers are going to have to find spaces to find community outside of their organizations.

Polarized and divisive election— pastors are in a no-win situation

Economic uncertainty and fear – people stop making real estate decisions in election years.

Adapting and navigating a rapidly changing world, including advancements in technology (especially AI), continuing global crises, and evolving consumer behavior.

The tension of holding more tightly to the absolute essentials while at the same time having a growth mindset

Discerning when we need to just hoist our sail and when we need to row.

Continued layoffs and economic turmoil.

Opportunities from other leaders I respect

Technology advances, especially AI (obstacle and opportunity)

Soul Care – seeking and leveraging genuine internal soul care. Learning to slow down, resist distractions, find a spiritual director

• Collaboration – one answer to changing financial landscapes will be the opportunity for genuine collaboration among other organizations.
• Letting go and finding joy – falling back in love with your life and your work

Leading with faith instead of leaving it in the shadows

Economic changes will provide economic opportunities

Serve as peacemakers and help people stay connected to others who have different opinions.

Prioritizing Organizational Culture and Leader Wellbeing – especially the wellbeing of the top leaders

Fostering Innovation and Creativity – Encourage a culture of creativity and experimentation, thinking outside the box

Exploring the gospel afresh in this liminal time. Reexamining what makes the good news “good”

Working intensively with the generation under you.

Purchasing assets if people are patient.

Reassessing your professional life – look for passion and purpose

Remote work gives space to build relationships! Build relationships with your families, friends, and community in new ways.

So, what obstacles and opportunities do you see for 2024?

Comment below or Join the discusson on our social media.