From lessons learned to goals ahead: insights from TKI employees

As 2024 comes to an end, we encouraged The KPI Institute (TKI) employees to reflect on the lessons they have learned and the goals they aim to achieve in 2025, celebrating progress and preparing for a brighter year ahead.

In this article, we feature some of the responses from our dedicated employees as they share their reflections on the year that was and the goals they are setting for the future. May their insights serve as a reminder that, no matter the obstacles, collective strength, creativity, and determination will shape a better tomorrow.

Daniela Vuta

Head of Publications

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

I consider communication to be one of the most essential skills for a leader. No matter how much one studies this field, there is always room for improvement and refinement. This year, I have concentrated on enhancing my leadership communication skills by cultivating balanced empathy, practicing active listening, demonstrating assertiveness, and effectively resolving conflicts.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

The year 2024 brought its fair share of challenges, which our team successfully overcame. As a leader, I embraced full responsibility and commitment, particularly when external factors disrupted the team. Key elements in supporting our success included effective planning, meticulous attention to detail, and maintaining a comprehensive vision of our operations. 

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

My aspiration for 2025 is to fully refine and elevate my leadership abilities, with these efforts clearly reflected in the accomplishments of the team I lead. This includes achieving strategic objectives, successfully executing planned initiatives, and, most importantly, making a meaningful and active contribution to the professional growth of each team member.

Cristina – Elena Craciun

Strategy and Performance Specialist

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

It’s been a year of constant changes, challenges, and joyful successes. Returning from maternity leave and adding work changes has proven this year to be the year of adaptability.  Today, I am proud to say I am aware of, and I not only accept but cherish changes.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

My best strategy, which I’ve used for years, is not getting stuck. I accept things as they come and move on embracing the future. A good habit I’ve tried to nurture is seeing the good in everything before speaking my mind. Dull, I know, but it is a good exercise connecting mind and heart for a purpose that benefits everyone.

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

Well, I do wish for a better version of me. Until now, I have wanted to develop knowledge in at least two new subjects and learn new skills in already-known areas. Last, but not least, I aim to improve my online communication skills.

Len Cristobal

Chief Editor

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

I’ve become more familiar with the basics of data visualization and analysis through the Certified Data Visualization Professional and Certified Data Analysis courses of The KPI Institute. I hope to further apply what I’ve learned, along with insights from external sources, in content development for Performance Magazine and TKI’s platforms and areas where data-driven decisions can help improve performance, streamline processes, and support strategic planning.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

Being more flexible and maintaining open communication. Flexibility helped me adapt quickly when things changed. Open communication kept me aligned with my team and others. By discussing challenges and working together on solutions, we stayed focused and kept moving forward.

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

Nothing specific comes to mind yet, but for now, approach your work with purpose and positivity, while maintaining openness and discipline.

Frichette Ann Talania

Junior Business Research Analyst

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

This year, I focused on improving my research skills, particularly in the areas of employee performance, evaluation, and benchmarking—fields that were initially unfamiliar to me.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

I faced the challenge of adapting to new research fields, areas I wasn’t initially familiar with. I made time to learn continuously, whether by reading whatever I could find online or attending meetings with my senior or manager. I also leaned on my senior and other teammates for feedback and collaboration, which gave me new perspectives and helped me improve quickly. Lastly, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces kept me from feeling overwhelmed.

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

My professional new year’s resolution for 2025 is definitely to be able to work on tasks independently, without needing help from seniors. I don’t aim for a promotion anytime soon, but I want to ensure I fulfill my duties and exceed the expectations of my manager and seniors. Additionally, being able to contribute to other tasks and teams would be great.

Maryan Hamadeh 

Jr Training Specialist 

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

Besides taking the Certified Training Professional course this year, I have made a great improvement in prioritizing and organizing tasks, working under pressure, and communicating with colleagues. Moreover, my shift to the new position made me more involved in the Instructional Design work instead of merely translating course materials.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

Taking notes, making to-do lists, and using Asana more often has helped me a lot. Furthermore, when working on urgent tasks that have a short deadline, I try to find solutions to organize and submit the tasks on time instead of stressing about the situation.

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

I currently don’t have resolutions for 2025 as this year has been stressful for me, but I do wish that I keep working at the same pace and try to grow in the company.

Uncertainty may continue to be a part of our journey as we step into 2025. But one thing remains clear: TKI is here to assist and support you through whatever challenges lie ahead. Together, let’s embrace change, navigate challenges, and continue to move forward with a shared commitment to excellence and growth. 

Stay connected with TKI for updates, insights, and support throughout the year by following The KPI Institute on LinkedIn. Join the conversation, engage with our community, and be part of the journey!