In this second part of our interview with Kevin Eikenberry, author of "Flexible Leadership," we explore how implementing flexible leadership strategies to navigate complex situations and overcome challenges, drives organizational success.

Why Implementing Flexible Leadership Strategies Matters for Women Leaders

While understanding the flexible leadership mindset is essential, the real value comes from implementation. For women leaders navigating today's complex business environment, implementing flexible leadership strategies creates a powerful advantage in overcoming traditional barriers.

According to recent research from McKinsey, companies with women in executive positions are 30% more likely to outperform their competitors, highlighting the business impact when women leaders successfully implement adaptive approaches.

Mastering Leadership Flexors: Key Strategies for Women Leaders

At the core of implementing flexible leadership strategies is what Eikenberry calls "flexors" – paired leadership approaches that might initially seem contradictory but are actually complementary dimensions of effective leadership:

Results vs. People Focus for Women Leaders

Rather than permanently choosing one approach, women leaders who implement flexible leadership strategies consciously shift their emphasis depending on what the situation requires:

"This isn't binary," explains Eikenberry. "The right answer is how to lean in the direction of each. During crunch time before a deadline, I might focus more on results, but afterward shift toward supporting my people's needs."

Decisive vs. Collaborative Decision-Making Strategies

Women leaders can adjust their decision-making approach based on:

Urgency of the situation

Expertise required for quality decisions

Need for buy-in during implementation

Development requirements of team members

Directive vs. Coaching Communication Strategies

Effective women leaders consciously choose their communication approach:

When clear direction is needed versus when development is the priority

How much structure to provide versus autonomy to encourage

When to speak with authority versus when to facilitate dialogue

Implementing flexible leadership strategies means consciously selecting the appropriate approach rather than defaulting to habit or personal preference.

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Practical Implementation Strategies for Women Leaders

Women leaders can immediately begin implementing flexible leadership strategies through these practical applications:

Context-Based Decision Framework for Women Leaders

Assess whether the situation is clear, complicated, complex, or chaotic

Consider what specific outcomes are required in this particular context

Determine whether to decide independently, seek input, or fully delegate

Match your leadership approach to the urgency, complexity, and expertise needed

Adaptive Communication Strategies for Women Leaders

Develop multiple ways to deliver the same message for different stakeholders

Adjust your communication style based on audience and circumstance

Know when directness will be more effective than collaboration

Create communication approaches that overcome potential gender bias

Research shows that 36% of women leaders report being interrupted in meetings, compared to just 15% of men in similar positions. Implementing flexible communication strategies helps women leaders maintain their effectiveness despite these challenges.

Strategic Feedback Systems for Women Leaders

Women leaders who implement flexible leadership strategies create robust feedback mechanisms:

Structure psychological safety for honest communication

Ask specific questions rather than general ones ("How could I improve my listening in today's meeting?" versus "How am I doing?")

Build trust through consistency between words and actions

Recognize that positional power may inhibit candid responses

As Eikenberry notes:

Implementing Change Leadership Strategies for Women Leaders