Ms Gauri Tandle, CFO, Ashwin Sheth Group
The desire to establish a successful career is a common dream among ambitious women. The experience of successful women professionals and leaders across sectors demonstrates that with the right strategies, women can achieve work-life balance and lead fulfilling lives. Achieving a harmonious balance between work and life requires a journey of self-discovery and strategic prioritization.
At a time when the boundaries between one’s professional and personal spheres frequently become indistinct, achieving balance is not merely a luxury but a vital requirement for long-term success and overall wellness. Whether you are a female leader spearheading transformations in business, politics, or academia, following these strategies can aid you in finding the right equilibrium between your personal and professional endeavours:
Set Boundaries
One of the most crucial aspects of achieving work-life balance is setting boundaries. As a leader, it is imperative to set clear expectations with the team regarding work hours, priorities, communication channels, and response times. Ensure that your working hours are sacrosanct and that your attention to work tasks is uninterrupted during this period. By outlining these boundaries, one can protect their time without compromising on productivity or efficacy.
Embrace Flexibility
Flexibility stands as a cornerstone of modern work-life balance. Flexible work arrangements enable employees to effectively manage their time while fulfilling professional obligations. Whether through remote work options or flexible hours, an emphasis on flexibility helps shape a culture characterised by trust, understanding, and work-life harmony.
Prioritise Self-Care
Self-care is non-negotiable in the pursuit of work-life balance. Succeeding in a high-pressure career requires rest. It is essential to periodically take time to recharge and nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether through regular exercise, self-care practices, or simply unplugging from technology, prioritising self-care enables one to show up as their best self both professionally and personally.
Lead by Example
Female leaders possess a crucial role to play in reshaping organizational culture and norms about work-life balance. By prioritizing your well-being and using your influence to openly advocate for work-life balance within the organization, you inspire your team and peers to follow suit. Through leading by example, you help foster a culture that recognizes individuals for their professional contributions, while also acknowledging the value of their holistic well-being.
Collaboration
It’s crucial to recognize that collaboration is key to achieving goals effectively. Collaborate with trusted colleagues or team members, assigning tasks according to each person’s strengths and expertise. This fosters an environment where everyone can focus on high-priority tasks while leveraging each other’s skills. Collaborative efforts not only distribute workload evenly but also promote skill development and contribute to the team’s overall success.
Attaining a work-life balance as a female leader demands deliberate effort, perseverance, and a readiness to challenge the status quo. Remember, achieving balance is an ongoing process of self-discovery —a journey worth embarking on to live a life of fulfilment and sustainable success. Let us embrace this journey wholeheartedly!
