09 May 2021

Research conducted last year by Folkman Inc. has reportedly shown that women are rated as more effective leaders before and during the COVID-19 crisis.

Speaking during the Insurance Institute of Botswana's (IIB) Women's empowerment webinar which attracted various captains of industry, Liberty Life Managing Director, Ms Lulu Rasebotsa said according to the analysis, during the pandemic women outscored men on most leadership competencies.  

She highlighted that such competencies included displaying high integrity and honesty, collaboration and team work, taking risks, solving problems and analysing issues.

Sharing her personal experience on leading an effective organisation in a time of crisis, Ms Rasebotsa highlighted that she stood by five components which were empathy, listening, being present, trust and collaboration.

She added that not only did the elements proved to be efficient amongst her staff members but as a team, they were able to meet and surpass her organisation's financial objectives.

“Ladies, it is time for us to embrace both more than ever before, because there is an obvious calling upon us all to lead people through one of the toughest seasons, emotionally, mentally and with financial vision,” she commented.

Sharing similar sentiments, Stanbic Bank, Head of Marketing, Ms Stephanie Sandridge,  expressed the need for women to take up their roles as ‘leaders’ in the society. 

Ms Sandridge added that leadership did not mean a position or title but a behavior.

“When all is said and done, we have been doing this for a long time; running households, businesses, being a support system to family, friends and community and we need to own up to our capabilities,” she said.

Advising on the strategies and tools needed by women to communicate during uncertain times, she said it was imperative for one to be clear what their organisation would achieve during this crisis, establish a clear vision, or mantra, for how the organisation and its people would emerge and explore ways to connect the disruption employees face to something greater. Ms Sandridge urged the participants to utilise the crisis as an opportunity for reform.

“Follow up with lessons learnt, weave this experience into the official narrative as a case study and do not be afraid to blow your own horn!. Ends