Change is an inevitable part of both life and business.
For women leaders, guiding a team through periods of transformation can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Whether it’s a shift in company strategy, a market disruption, or a global crisis, effective leadership during change is crucial. Here are practical tips to help women leaders steer their teams successfully through these times, ensuring survival, growth and innovation.
1. Maintain Clear Communication
The bedrock of successful leadership through change is clear and transparent communication. It’s essential to keep lines of communication open to avoid misunderstandings and to build trust within your team. Consider the example of Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. During her tenure, she was known for her straightforward communication style. She regularly shared her vision and strategy with her team, ensuring everyone understood the path forward. As a woman leader, emulate this by holding regular meetings, utilizing digital communication tools, and being approachable. Encourage feedback and be open to questions, as this will help to align your team’s goals with the broader organizational objectives.
2. Foster Team Resilience
Change can be taxing, both mentally and emotionally. Building a resilient team is crucial to navigating these periods successfully. Resilience in a team is about fostering a mindset where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
Take inspiration from Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who has led her company through significant industry changes. She emphasizes creating a culture where team members feel valued and are encouraged to learn from failures. As a leader, you can foster resilience by promoting a supportive environment, encouraging collaboration, and recognizing individual and team achievements. Implement resilience-building workshops or engage in team-building activities to strengthen your team’s ability to cope with change.
3. Encourage Innovation
Periods of change often provide the perfect backdrop for innovation. Encourage your team to think creatively and explore new ideas. This not only helps in solving current challenges; it also propels the organization forward. One way to encourage innovation is by providing platforms for idea-sharing and experimentation without fear of failure. This could be in the form of brainstorming sessions or innovation sprints. As a woman leader, champion a culture of creativity by celebrating innovative ideas and recognizing the contributions of those who dare to think outside the box.
4. Lead with Empathy
Empathy is a powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal, especially during times of change. Understanding and relating to your team’s concerns and aspirations can significantly enhance morale and productivity. As a leader, practice active listening, show genuine concern for your team’s well-being, and be flexible with individual circumstances when possible. Empathy helps to build a loyal and motivated team that is willing to go the extra mile.
5. Adaptability is Key
In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a critical leadership trait. Being open to change and ready to pivot strategies, when necessary, can make all the difference. Reflect on the agility demonstrated by Marissa Mayer during her tenure as CEO of Yahoo! She was able to adapt her leadership style to meet the changing demands of the company. For women leaders, this means staying informed about industry trends and being willing to adjust plans as needed. Encourage your team to adopt a similar mindset, viewing change as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Real-World Application
Consider a scenario where a company is transitioning to a remote work model. As a woman leader, you can lead effectively by clearly communicating the new expectations and providing the necessary tools and support for your team. Foster resilience by creating virtual team-building activities that keep morale high. Encourage innovation by asking your team for input on how to make remote work more efficient and collaborative. Lead with empathy by checking in regularly with team members to understand their challenges and offer support. Be adaptable by continuously assessing the remote work strategy and making improvements as needed.
Work with me
Leading through change is not just about navigating the storm; it’s about thriving in it. If you could use some help thriving in the storm, I would love to talk to you about my women’s mastermind groups and women’s executive coaching. Click here to pick a time for us to talk.
