Leader & Manager Development: The #1 Priority for CHROs in 2025

Written By Tom Kahana

The workplace is changing fast. Economic uncertainty, new technologies, and shifting employee expectations are redefining what it means to lead. According to Gartner’s latest CHRO survey, Leader & Manager Development has risen to the #1 functional priority for 2025.

For years, culture and workforce planning topped the list. But in 2025, CHROs see leadership as the linchpin. Managers are on the front lines of culture, engagement, and organizational agility — and too many aren’t ready for what’s ahead.

Why It Matters

CHRO - Chief Human Resources Officer

Traditional leadership programs often fall short. Slide decks and one-off workshops don’t prepare managers to navigate hybrid work, support employee well-being, or lead through rapid change. Without stronger development, organizations risk disengaged teams, weakened culture, and stalled growth.

Leadership development has become mission-critical infrastructure — essential to strategy, not just HR.

The Barriers

Even with this new urgency, HR leaders face hurdles:

  • Balancing leadership with other top priorities like culture and workforce planning

  • Addressing skills gaps across both leaders and HR teams

  • Proving ROI — moving beyond participation metrics to measurable business impact

A New Approach to Leadership Development

To succeed, organizations must rethink how they grow leaders:

  • Embed learning in daily work rather than relying solely on training events

  • Support all levels of leadership, from first-time managers to executives

  • Use coaching, mentoring, and peer learning to accelerate growth

  • Measure outcomes, such as improved retention or engagement, not just training hours

Claria Partners’ Perspective

At Claria Partners, we see leadership development as the foundation of organizational success. In our work with emerging biotech and technology companies, we’ve found that when leadership growth is intentional, embedded, and measurable, it strengthens culture and drives business performance.

In 2025, leadership isn’t about the corner office. It’s about equipping every leader to guide teams through complexity, foster resilience, and deliver results.

Final Word

If leader & manager development is your top priority this year — as Gartner’s survey confirms — now is the time to reimagine your approach. Invest in capabilities that scale, not just programs that check a box.

Have questions about how to strengthen leadership development in your organization? Contact us — we’d love to help.

Tom Kahana
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