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. Click the image to learn more. 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