“No more in the tank.” Reflections on Jacinda Ardern’s Leadership + the Effects of Burnout on Women Leaders | Newsletter

In January, Jacinda Ardern, the former prime minister of New Zealand, announced she was stepping down, boldly sharing that she had?“no more in the tank.”?She was followed last week by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who also announced she was resigning due to?burnout.

My immediate feeling? Disappointment—followed by understanding and then admiration for the decisions of these women leaders.

Their stories—and the challenges, headwinds and increased expectations women leaders face in a volatile world—is something that we can all relate to.

Most leaders, but especially women leaders, tend to take on more to “prove our value” in our careers, all while trying to hold it together with our “second shifts” at home.

At the end of each day,?many women leaders feel they simply do not have an ounce more to give. Our tanks are empty, as Ardern put it so eloquently in her resignation statement.

In those days, or weeks, or months that we can’t see our way out of the overwhelm, it takes great courage to identify a bold pathway forward for ourselves.

And what is clear to me is that the bold pathway forward is different for every woman leader. For Ardern and Sturgeon taking a step back—literally pushing pause—was the healthy and correct answer.

Many will question this choice and point to it as an example of women failing to “have it all.” That’s simply not the case. What is true is that this was the path that these women chose for themselves, and that makes it a valid decision.

Women leaders are scanning the horizon and identifying the opportunities available to them. For some women, that could involve an?opt-down or a shift away from their traditional role. For other women, their journey could bring them toward a?higher position or a new area of expertise.

Most importantly,?women leaders owe themselves the time for self-reflection and should identify the resources, people and places they can turn to when they need support.?

In partnership,

Jen

MORE KEY INSIGHTS FROM JENNIFER MCCCOLLUM

As we appreciate the stories of Jacinda Ardern, the former prime minister of New Zealand, and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, consider these three areas women leaders can focus on now to empower themselves on their unique journeys:

GROW YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK

Women leaders: If there is nothing left in your tank, where do you go to?fill it? As a passionate champion for women leaders, I understand the power that your support network lends you during times of uncertainty and chaos. Close friendships, mentors and coaches, and formal executive sponsors fill important roles in your life. Every woman leader needs this support network around them.

RIGHT-SIZE EXPECTATIONS

What is possible, and how will you accomplish it in 2023? As you kick off a new year, consider the expectations that you and your organization have set and the pathway necessary to achieving them. Can you right-size these expectations to your capabilities and resourcing? If not, can you advocate for the resourcing and support you need?

BE GENTLER WITH YOURSELF

We excel at understanding how our environment and expectations impact others, but we also need to be as understanding—and gentle—with ourselves.

TUNE IN

International Women's Day 2023: Webinar Featuring Construction Leader Hilti and Linkage

On?Thursday, March 9 at 12:00pm ET, we invite you to join us for a special, free webinar on how we can advance women leaders and achieve gender parity in our workforce and our world.

Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Linkage, will host a dynamic hour featuring?Elle Lebourg, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Hilti Group, a trailblazing organization charting a path forward for women at the highest level.?Register now.

ON THE BLOG

2 Commitments Leaders Can Make This Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and represents an important opportunity for us to seek out new sources and perspectives to learn about Black history. To support you on your leadership journey this February, and all year, check out these resources for leaders.?Read.

How Can Women Leaders Master Their Inner Critics? 3 Key Takeaways from Leadership Expert Shannon Bayer

Understanding our Inner Critic is a critical first step. Shannon Bayer, Linkage’s Vice President of Revenue and Principal Consultant, recently hosted a webinar to discuss her journey of identifying and coaching her Inner Critic and shares tips on how you can master your own.?Read.

The Best Leaders Host Great Virtual Meetings—Dr. Steven Rogelberg Explains How

Dr. Steven Rogelberg, best-selling author and the world’s leading expert on meetings, is focused on empowering leaders to leave bad virtual meetings behind and embrace a new approach to collaborating virtually. Dive into his latest tips.?Read.

Are You an Impact Player at Work? Maybe—If You Do These 5 Things | An Exclusive Interview with Best-Selling Author Liz Wiseman

Best-selling author Liz Wiseman discusses the 5 practices of Impact Players, which empower women to maximize their impact in the workplace by moving from a “contributor” mindset to being true “Impact Players.”?Read.

JOIN US

Super Early Bird Registration LIVE: Women in Leadership Institute 2023

Anne Chow?and?Carla Harris?RETURN to the?Women in Leadership Institute in 2023, plus an all-star lineup of leaders and speakers. Don’t wait: The best pricing of the season is here!?Score 40% off abbreviated virtual passes to the 2023 Women in Leadership Institute.