Leading Through Change: 10 Leadership Mindsets for Women in Today's Workplace

Leadership for Women in Today's Workplace:

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world of work, challenging leaders to adapt in unprecedented ways. In their report Leading Through a Pandemic and Beyond, Karen Powell and Lesley Heath of Women of Our Time captured real-time insights from 50+ senior leaders across retail, transport, emergency services and other sectors during the crisis. Their qualitative research revealed 10 key leadership mindsets that proved critical for organisational survival - mindsets that particularly resonate with women's natural leadership strengths. 

As we face new workplace challenges - from AI disruption to the Great Resignation (with 40% of women considering leaving their employers due to burnout, according to McKinsey's 2023 Women in Workplace report) - these approaches remain vital. Organisations with women in senior roles show 50% higher profitability (Peterson Institute), while teams with emotionally intelligent leaders report 31% higher productivity (Gallup). 

The 10 Leadership Mindsets with Research-Backed Definitions:

1. Self-Awareness 

In a hybrid world where authenticity matters more than ever, understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and impact on others is foundational. Women who lead with self-awareness foster trust and adaptability in their teams. "They reflect on their actions and are happy to have their beliefs challenged." In the report, leaders like Paul Evans (Carlisle Support Services) shared how self-awareness helped them adapt management styles during crisis decision-making. 

2. Conscious Leadership 

With employee wellbeing at the forefront, leaders must balance business goals with empathy. Women excel at creating psychologically safe workplaces where people feel heard and valued—a necessity in today’s talent-driven market. "Aware of how their decisions will impact others, they are mindful, compassionate and take the time to listen." Victoria Hills of RTPI exemplified this by implementing hybrid meetings for better inclusion and carbon reduction. 

3. Vulnerability 

The myth of the infallible leader is fading. Women who share challenges openly—whether about hybrid work struggles or career pivots—build deeper connections and foster cultures of psychological safety. "Showing their human side and being themselves and admitting they don't know it all exudes trustworthiness." Michelle Butler noted: "I've learned the hard way that vulnerability is not weakness." 

4. Ethical Leadership 

From sustainability to DE&I, stakeholders demand purpose-driven leadership. Women often lead here, intuitively aligning decisions with values—proving ethics and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive. "They are aware of reputation, perception and the need for their actions to match their words." The report highlights leaders who prioritised employee safety over profits during PPE shortages. 

5. Mental Toughness 

Economic volatility and constant change require leaders who can pivot without losing focus. Women’s ability to balance multiple priorities serves them well in steering teams through uncertainty. "Being able to take control in a crisis, these leaders will coolly and calmly display a will to win in even the most challenging conditions." Gerald Taylor of Devon Fire Brigade described the "creeping mental pressure" leaders had to withstand. 

6. Optimism 

Amid AI anxieties and workplace disruption, leaders must chart a hopeful path forward. Women’s strengths in storytelling and creating shared purpose help teams navigate ambiguity. "They create the purpose for their organisation and teams, rallying the troops and assuring them that the mission can be accomplished." Sarah Brookfield-Almond maintained positivity while pivoting her business model. 

7. Growth Mindset 

With skills evolving rapidly, leaders must model continuous learning. Women’s collaborative approach naturally fosters environments where curiosity and development thrive."Finding opportunities even in hard times and knowing the path they're taking is common amongst leaders who are seen as visionary and determined." Aoife Wycherley (Sodexo) spoke of fast-tracking 18 months' innovation into six months. 

8. Learning Mindset 

The half-life of skills is shrinking. Leaders who ask questions, seek diverse perspectives, and admit knowledge gaps—traits women often embody—future-proof their organisations. "They're always keen to know more, to add to their own knowledge banks - and encourage their teams to do the same." Jude Coates (Abraham Moon) emphasised continuous skills development during fabric shortages. 

9. Can-Do Attitude 

In resource-constrained environments, pragmatic problem-solving wins. Women’s ability to find creative solutions with limited resources is a strategic advantage. "They're team players, never asking someone to do something they wouldn't be prepared to do themselves." Leaders like Sarah worked shop floors alongside staff during supply chain crises. 

10. Opportunistic 

From AI adoption to the four-day week, change brings opportunity. Women who spot trends early and act decisively position their teams for success. "Excited by innovation and new things, they love being one step ahead of the competition." The report documents how care sector leaders rapidly adopted new communication technologies. 

Why These Mindsets Matter Now More Than Ever:

With 87% of organisations reporting leadership skill gaps (Gartner 2023) and women still underrepresented in senior roles (holding just 32% of C-suite positions according to LeanIn), these research-backed approaches offer solutions: 

• Hybrid Work Challenges: Conscious leadership and vulnerability build trust in distributed teams 

• AI Transition: Learning and growth mindsets ease digital transformation 

• Burnout Crisis: Mental toughness combined with ethical leadership protects wellbeing

  
  

As the original research noted: "The glass ceiling has a few more cracks in it." By embracing these mindsets - many of which come naturally to women leaders - we can turn those cracks into breakthroughs. 

Inspired to develop these mindsets? 

Women of Our Time offers programmes based on this groundbreaking research. Visit our website to learn more. "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." — Eleanor Roosevelt