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
Flexible leadership strategies are particularly valuable during times of change, an area where women leaders often excel:
Reading the Emotional Landscape
Women leaders can leverage their typically strong emotional intelligence to:
Recognize emotional responses to change initiatives
Adjust communication based on observed reactions
Address concerns before they become resistance
Building Strategic Coalitions
Successful implementation of change initiatives requires:
Creating networks of relationships to support implementation
Developing champions across organizational levels
Connecting change initiatives to meaningful purpose
Adaptive Implementation Strategies
Women leaders implementing flexible leadership strategies:
Start with small experiments to gather information
Adjust approaches based on real-time feedback
Maintain focus on core outcomes while adapting methods
According to Deloitte's 2025 Human Capital Trends research, organizations need a new approach to select, plan, and achie