A Time of Crisis and Opportunity
This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated under the theme “Accelerate Action”, came at a time of profound global and local crises.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the call to accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment has never been more urgent.
At the global level, we are faced with geopolitical realignments, economic instability, and political uncertainty, all of which disproportionately affect anyone in leadership. In Kenya, these challenges are magnified by local political instability, economic shakeups, and the ripple effects of global events.
For women in leadership, these challenges and shifts are both a test of resilience and an opportunity for growth.
How then, can women lead effectively in such turbulent times while maintaining work-life integration, prioritizing their own self-care, and sustaining meaningful relationships?
This article explores actionable strategies to help women in leadership thrive amid chaos.
The Challenges Women Leaders Face Today
1. Demands for Crisis Leadership Are Increasing
Global upheavals such as the U.S.-Russia alignment, Europe’s increased military spending, and a looming worldwide economic depression have created volatile environments that demand adaptive leadership. Locally in Kenya, political uncertainty and economic instability add layers of complexity to decision-making for leaders.
Women leaders often find themselves on the “glass cliff,” a phenomenon where they are placed in leadership roles during times of crisis with heightened expectations but limited resources. While this demonstrates trust in their capabilities, it also places immense pressure on them to succeed against the odds.
2. Balancing Professional and Personal Roles
Women leaders frequently juggle dual responsibilities: leading organizations while managing caregiving roles at home. Societal expectations often place an unequal burden on women to maintain familial harmony, even as they navigate high-stakes professional challenges. This mental load can lead to burnout if not addressed proactively.
In Kenya’s current climate of rising inflation and political uncertainty, many women leaders are also grappling with supporting extended families or communities affected by economic hardships. They’re doing this while striving to be present partners, parents, daughters, siblings, friends, and active members of civil society.
3. Navigating Volatile Environments
The unpredictability of global and local events makes it difficult for leaders to plan long-term strategies. In Kenya, fluctuating policies, currency instability, and shifting alliances create an environment where agility is essential.
Women leaders must balance staying informed with making quick yet thoughtful decisions that safeguard their organizations’ futures.
Opportunities for Growth Amid Chaos
Despite these challenges, times of crisis also present unique growth opportunities, especially for women in leadership.
1. Leveraging Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ)
Emotional intelligence, which includes self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills, is a critical asset for leaders at any time. It’s needed more when navigating uncertainty and during times of crisis.
Women often excel in EQ, which helps them connect deeply with their teams, foster trust, and manage conflicts effectively. For example, during periods of organizational restructuring or downsizing, which is common in economic downturns, leaders with high EQ can communicate transparently while maintaining morale.
2. Building Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ)
Beyond EQ lies positive intelligence quotient, a concept introduced by Shirzad Chamine. PQ focuses on identifying and overcoming self-sabotaging mental patterns (e.g, doubt, fear, self-criticism) while cultivating a “sage” mindset rooted in creativity, empathy, and resilience.
Positive intelligence equips leaders to:
- Stay calm under pressure.
- Reframe challenges as opportunities.
- Make decisions from a place of clarity rather than fear.
Incorporating PQ practices into daily routines can help women leaders maintain composure and inspire confidence in their teams during turbulent times.
3. Creating Strategic Plans for Uncertainty
Adaptability is key when navigating volatile environments. Scenario planning—developing multiple potential outcomes and corresponding strategies—can help leaders prepare for uncertainty without losing sight of long-term goals.
For instance, in Kenya’s dynamic political climate, leaders might develop plans for both increased regulation and deregulation scenarios. Globally, preparing for supply chain disruptions or inflationary pressures ensures organizational resilience.
How Women in Leadership Can Thrive During Times of Crisis
To lead effectively amid chaos while maintaining personal well-being and fulfilling relationships, women leaders can adopt the following strategies.
1. Prioritize Holistic Self-Care
Self-care is not indulgent; it is essential for sustaining leadership effectiveness. Beyond physical well-being, your self-care must also encompass mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Start small and keep it simple:
- Dedicate at least 15 minutes daily to mindfulness exercises such as meditation.
- Block out one evening per week as personal time with no work emails or meetings allowed.
- Engage in activities that bring joy, such as reading, journaling, listening to music, or spending time outdoors.
2. Strengthen Relationships Beyond Work
Leadership doesn’t stop when you leave the office or shut down your laptop. For many women, the challenge isn’t just managing a business or a team. It’s also being fully present for their families, loved ones, and themselves.
The mental load of leadership can make it hard to switch off, leading to exhaustion, strained relationships, and a sense of missing out on what truly matters.
Here are three ways to create balance and be more present in your personal life, especially at home.
1. Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Time
- Establish clear start and end times for work, even if you’re in a leadership role that demands flexibility.
- Avoid taking work-related calls or emails during designated family time.
- Communicate these boundaries with your team so they respect your personal time.
2. Practice Mindful Transitions Between Work and Home
- Relax before stepping into your home space. You can sit in your car and take a few deep breaths, listen to music, or do a short meditation to shift your mindset.
- Use simple rituals, like taking a shower after getting home, changing into comfortable clothes, or having a cup of tea or coffee, to mentally transition.
3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
- You may not always have endless hours at home, but being fully engaged, even for 30 minutes, makes a difference.
- Put away distractions, make eye contact, and have meaningful conversations with your loved ones.
- Create small but memorable family traditions, like a weekly dinner or bedtime storytelling, that reinforce connection.
You can also foster deeper connections by:
- Scheduling regular check-ins with loved ones during the day.
- Setting aside uninterrupted time with family and friends.
- Communicating openly about the support you need.
Leadership is demanding, but strong personal relationships serve as a foundation for resilience. Nurture meaningful connections with partners, children, friends, and extended family to maintain emotional well-being.
Also, don’t wait until you’re in a crisis before trying to connect deeper with your loved ones. Start now and make this a non-negotiable aspect of your life.
3. Build a Robust Support System
Leadership can be isolating even when there is no crisis. The sense of isolation increases in times of crises.
Surrounding yourself with mentors, peers, and allies who understand your challenges provides invaluable support. Networking groups focused on women in leadership can offer guidance. They can also serve as a safe space to share experiences, and get support and accountability.
Consider joining or creating mastermind groups where members exchange insights on navigating crises or balancing work-life integration.
4. Stay Informed and Adaptable
Staying informed about global trends and local developments allows leaders to anticipate changes and adapt strategies accordingly. However, it’s equally important to filter information to avoid overwhelm by focusing on credible sources that align with your leadership priorities.
Finally, be flexible and willing to pivot when circumstances change. Also encourage your team to embrace innovation as part of problem-solving processes.
Empower Your Leadership Journey
As you navigate the complexities of leadership in today’s world, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. You can build resilience and lead with clarity by integrating strategies like emotional intelligence, positive intelligence, self-care, and strong relationships into your daily routine.
Additionally, women leaders have always been at the forefront of transformation, and the world needs your unique strengths now more than ever. By prioritizing self-care, building strong support systems, and embracing adaptability, you can navigate uncertainty with confidence and lead your team or organization successfully.
(Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash)
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