Work-Life Strategies for Women in Politics
Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you'll be criticized anyway." – Eleanor Roosevelt
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Women in Politics
As the pendulum swings, so does the wind of political change in an environment where women seek equal opportunities and career advancement in a highly competitive atmosphere.
Boldly, we march toward goal attainment through active listening, empathy, and understanding. Knowing we can't leave our careers in anyone's hands; we must navigate our careers in the direction we want. In fact, a 2022 study found that 65% of women in high-stakes careers, including politics, reported difficulty maintaining work-life balance due to caregiving responsibilities (Catalyst, 2022).
Therefore, we must remain laser-focused in our intentions and systematic in decision-making by leaving nothing to change. The reality is that public opinion will continue to sway back and forth. Our focus needs to be on how best to care for ourselves and those we love as we strive toward reaching our goals regardless of who is in office.
Prioritizing Self-Care in a High-Stakes Career
People love you today and despise you tomorrow. Politics can be so polarizing, and because of this, I have never been a political person. Additionally, politics has divided families and destroyed relationships. If you want to start an argument, just start a conversation on politics or religion and guarantee a heated discussion will result. So, I purposely avoid conversations on these topics. When they come up, I politely change the subject. This regiment is a part of my self-care.
Setting Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life
Linking happiness to maintaining a separation of the professional and personal spheres helps increase awareness and minimize stress. Mindfulness helps to disconnect from one phase before going into the next. We are not machines. Therefore, we must give ourselves time and space to reflect, process things, and make the necessary adjustments to reach our desired outcomes. It's like a coach and his team watching a film of the game after a blowout win. We should always look for ways to improve, increasing our efforts to reach our goals expeditiously.
Building a Reliable Support System
Leverage mentors, allies, and personal networks for support and guidance as you travel the unpredictable road of organizational and political change. A reliable support system increases our ability to overcome setbacks and challenges, which is vital to nurture and maintain. For instance, women with strong professional networks are 2.5 times more likely to advance in their careers, according to a LinkedIn Gender Insights Report (2023).
Although I cannot remember each person's name I've come across, I recall the kindness, encouragement, and eagerness to lend a helping hand, giving credence to the quote by Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." The comfort of knowing someone has your back is a feeling like no other.
Time Management Techniques for Political Professionals
Utilize practical tools and strategies to optimize productivity and efficiency. For example, professionals who use time-blocking report a 23% increase in productivity compared to those with unstructured schedules (McKinsey & Company, 2021).
Some essential tools that I have personally used and recommend include:
· Use of Eisenhower Matrix
· Time Blocking
· Delegating effectively
· Setting SMART goals
· Limit and optimize meetings
· Leveraging technology
· Managing your energy, not just time
· Setting boundaries
· Conduct Weekly Reviews
By implementing these techniques, we can maximize productivity, maintain balance, and achieve short-term and long-term success.
Embracing Flexibility Without Compromising Goals
Navigating unexpected challenges while staying aligned with long-term ambitions can be quite difficult yet necessary. With the understanding that to get what we want requires sacrifice and risk. So, what actions are you willing to take for a life of abundance; only you can decide. I have had to make life-altering decisions that change my life, some bad, but mostly good. Even bad experiences resulted in invaluable life lessons. The only way to know whether you will succeed is by taking that leap of faith into the unknown. That experience will undoubtedly have a positive impact, where you gain experience and expand your opportunities, which is better than sitting on the sidelines contemplating life.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Political Success
Physical and mental agility provides the fuel to further our career ambitions and clear roadblocks and deterrents that impede our success. Specifically, research shows that leaders with high emotional intelligence are 4 times more likely to build positive workplace cultures, which is critical for political professionals balancing competing demands (Goleman, 2021).
Through self-awareness, we can manage stress and build meaningful relationships. Emotional intelligence is a powerful tool for navigating an ever-changing political and organizational landscape, which is impossible to escape. We can quickly become a pawn in the constant shift of power and more reasons for staying flexible and adaptable.
Communicating Effectively to Balance Competing Demands
Here are some tips I use for assertive communication to maintain control of your time and priorities:
· Be clear about your audience when crafting your message, making it easy to comprehend and relate to.
· Be assertive, respectful, and direct when speaking.
· Ask for acknowledgment to ensure clarity before moving on.
· Remember that everyone has something to contribute, regardless of their position or status.
· Think of shared interests or goals when seeking buy-in from others.
· Exhibit positive body language.
· Come prepared and offer alternatives where possible.
· Practice self-awareness and self-confidence.
Leveraging Technology to Simplify and Streamline Tasks
Utilizing apps and tools to manage schedules and personal commitments allows us to streamline tasks, increase productivity and communication, and respond expeditiously to life's challenges.
Practicing Resilience and Adaptability in a Demanding Environment
Bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining focus under pressure is necessary for our survival and success. We should remember this while walking cautiously on a tightrope and staying within the lines of diplomacy.
Nurturing Personal Growth Alongside Professional Success
Focus on continuous learning and self-improvement, knowing that regardless of what is happening in the world, we need to take care of ourselves by investing in our professional success. As a result, the return on our investment will pay off tenfold.
Celebrating Wins, Big and Small
Most importantly, acknowledge achievements to sustain motivation and positivity.
References
Catalyst. (2022). Work-life balance challenges for women leaders. Retrieved from
https://www.catalyst.org
Goleman, D. (2021). Emotional intelligence: Why it matters. Harvard Business Review.
LinkedIn. (2023). Gender insights report: Networking for career success. Retrieved from
https://www.linkedin.com
McKinsey & Company. (2021). Time management techniques and their impact on productivity. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com
