Women of Faith in Leadership | Leading with integrity, Management, Christian Leadership, Leading with confidence, Teamwork (Rika Whelan | Christian Leadership Coach)

In part 2 of the high-performance team series, I discuss with you how you can maintain your high-performance team. 

It is crucial that you build that team first; therefore, listen to episode 1 of this series (episode 79). 

Here are 5 ways that you can maintain your high-performance team. Listen to the episode to learn more about each one. 

1. Team Dynamics
2. Team Building Activities
3. Performance Management
4. Diversity and Inclusion
5. Continuous Learning and Development

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Last week, we discussed the first 3; go and listen to episode 66.

1. Systems
2. Expectations
3. Staff performance

Let’s jump into the next 3:

This truly is a huge topic, but I’m going to break some green and red flags down for you here.

7 Green flags

1. People care about each other
2. People feel safe
3. People know where they stand, their role, their expectations, there is no uncertainty
4. Low to zero stress levels - there will be some form of stress for deadlines, projects ect. But it shouldn’t be about the everyday, it should be healthy
5. Your voice matters, you’re able to have a say without fear of retaliation, discrimination
6. You can be yourself (within professional boundaries of course ;-) )
7. Organisation is driven by values and everybody actually sticks to these values

7 Red flags

1. High staff turnover
2. People feel constant frustration with one another and with management
3. People feel as if management are to blame for everything and don’t take personal responsibility
4. There is absolutely no accountability towards anyone
5. Performance isn’t measured or rewarded
6. People are doing the absolutely bare minimum and others constantly feel that they are carrying the weight of that person
7. No clear expectations, policies and procedures (SOP’s) or communication

The Free organisational gap analysis will analyse it for you and give you some tips

What does accountability look like in your workplace?

Is there any?

Are people held accountable for their actions, behaviour, tardiness, lack of respect, gossiping etc.

The best places to work are those that keep people accountable.

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to so many HR managers and so many of them agree, the best places are the ones who keep people accountable. These are people who have worked across multiple different sectors, big, medium and small businesses who know.

No accountability = a huge gap and opportunity for organisational failure

This does not only include professional development. That’s important, for sure, but think about all the other missed opportunities.

It starts with onboarding, what does that look like, are you seizing the opportunity to set that person up for success during onboarding?

Then what happens after, are they just left to the wolves? Or to fend for themselves when it comes to learning and training.

Or what does this look like in your organisation?

• Personal goals
• Annual goals
• Annual training
• Training days
• Professional development and training days

Take the organisational gap analysis, diagnostic tool and work through the questions, because the questions are meant to make you think, and already give you clues as to where you can make some improvements.

It will end with a recommendation and a Free PDF download. In the download, you’ll find a special link to a free 30-minutes strategy session with me to discuss your results and your way forward.

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Grab a coffee and join me in this insightful conversation with Jim Salvucci regarding leadership, workplace culture and workplace gossip!

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jim Salvucci is an author, keynote speaker, coach, and consultant. He served higher education for 30 years as an English professor, dean, and vice president before founding Guidance for Greatness to guide young bosses to become the next generation of great leaders. He is a certified Tiny Habits coach as well as a certified Thrive Global coach and life coach and holds leadership certificates from Harvard University and the Council of Independent Colleges. Central to Jim’s leadership philosophy is that all great leaders are decent humans as well as great teachers, guiding their people and their organizations through values toward success.

Discussion points:

• How did you get into leadership consulting?
• Is there anyone who played a pivotal role in your leadership journey?
• What’s your experience with workplace gossip?
• What systems did your work have that allowed the gossip to fester?
• Discussing bosses that support or listen to gossip.
• What advice would you give to a leader who feels that gossip is out of control, who wants to be a good leader, and who doesn’t want to get roped in by gossip?
• Dismissals and protections for employees/Tenure
• Having difficult/tough conversations - what advice would you give to someone who is scared of having them?

Connect with Dr Jim Salvucci

• Website: https://www.guidanceforgreatness.com 
• Newsletter/podcast: https://jimsalvucci.substack.com
• Free Resource: https://www.thegreatleadershiptoolkit.com

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

In today's episode:

Sometimes at work, we struggle to know exactly when to keep it strictly professional and when we can bring in our faith and be a testimony towards our colleagues. In this episode, we’ll be discussing balancing faith and professionalism.

If you’re working in an environment where not everyone is Christian, then it can be really challenging.

On the one hand, you are a professional in your job role and you were appointed in your role due to your knowledge, qualifications or any other expertise you bring to the table. On the other hand, you are a Christian who wants to live out your values and your faith. So can Professionalism and Faith be balanced at work?

But at what point do you tell people you are a Christian and when can or should you share your testimony, your values or anything relating to God?

Never force God on anyone, respect that they have different views than you.

You can practice your faith at work by silently praying regularly, before meetings, calls etc. We talked about Faith-Based decision-making in the last episode and that’s also a way to balance your faith with professionalism.

But I’d say something to remember is that you are there to do the job you have been appointed, so do that to the best of your abilities and when an opportunity presents itself for you to share about God, be brave and do it. Be sure you don’t force it on that person, and if that person starts feeling uncomfortable, then simply ask them to let you know if they have any questions and leave it at that.

The other way you balance your faith with your professionalism know your personal values and to stick them. They will help you make ethical decisions.

For example, if integrity is a value you would like to live by, then you have to make decisions or do your work in such a manner that others can see you have integrity.

So to recap:

1. Pray throughout the day
2. Live, breathe and display your values
3. Don’t force God on anyone - this can really put people off

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

How can you ensure that new employees don’t gossip?

Imagine this, you have a completely gossip-free environment, a positive company culture, and great team communication and then… a new employee comes along and ruins it.

Within weeks of them starting in your department/organisation, you notice a drastic decline in team morale, there’s misunderstanding upon misunderstanding.

You decide to ignore it because they must still be fitting in and you had such a great interview with this new employee, you feel you just want to give them a fair chance.

What would you do?

According to the Tuckman model (listen to episode 13 for more information here), all teams will go through a storming phase when a new employee comes along as they learn to work together.

However, when does this become concerning?

When it comes to gossip and negative attitudes and spread to other employees, you should always take it seriously and ensure you speak to your team, no matter how short or long they’ve been there, no matter what they’re working through in their personal lives, gossip and negative attitudes should not be taken lightly.

It can cause a lot of damage in a very short amount of time, and you’ll have to spend a significant amount of time repairing the damage.

So how can you ensure that this doesn’t happen?

You gossip-proof your onboarding process.

Listen to the episode as I discuss 8 ways to gossip-proof your onboarding process. 

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Register now (obligation-free) to learn more about the upcoming program ‘From Gossip to Growth’ launching in 2024. 

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Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

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Let's Connect

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

In the next 3 weeks, I'll be resharing 3 of your favourite episodes.

In today's rerun, I'm sharing one of the very first and most favourite episodes: "What is workplace culture and why should you care about it?"

In this episode, I discuss what workplace culture 'really' is, why it is so important and why you should care about it... a lot!

Workplace culture consists of 2 things:

1. The relationships between people
2. The things that people do

1. The relationships between people

Ask yourself the following reflective questions:

• What are the relationships like at your workplace?
• Do people show respect to each other, or do they disrespect each other?
• Do people have healthy debates or constantly engage in unhealthy conflict that has no resolve?
• Do people have fixed or growth mindsets?
• How do people cope with change in the organisation?
• What is communication like in your workplace?

The relationships we have with one another at work affect our workplace culture. If there is a lack of respect for each other, a lack of trust, a lack of compassion and a lack of caring for each other, workplace culture will suffer. However, on the other hand, if people respect each other, trust each other, have compassion towards each other and truly care for each other, workplace culture will thrive.

2. The things that people do

What are the unwritten rules at your workplace or organisation? What are unwritten rules? Unwritten rules in the workplace, often referred to as workplace norms or informal codes of conduct, are a set of expectations and behaviours that employees follow, even though they are not explicitly documented in company policies or formal guidelines. These unwritten rules shape the work culture and influence how employees interact with each other and perform their job duties.

So, think about what the unwritten rules in your workplace are. What things do people do, that are potentially unacceptable, but because everyone does it, no one cares and there are no consequences? For example, lunch breaks. Does everyone return to work on time after their lunch break, or do they simply take their time? After all, no one cares, and their line managers never speak to them about returning late. This mindset can quickly spill over into other job tasks and therefore productivity and ultimately the company's bottom line will suffer. 

In this episode, I discuss 4 steps that you can follow to commence changing workplace culture in your workplace. 

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

Let's Connect

• On LinkedIn
• On Facebook

From Conflict to Collaboration #1

I am going to be doing something a bit different over the next 4 episodes. I am giving you full access to the first module of my upcoming online course - From Conflict to Collaboration

In this first episode, a very short one, I discuss 3 reasons why conflict occurs in the workplace.

In the upcoming episodes, I’m teaching on

• Episode 015 | Does Healthy Conflict Exist? From Conflict to Collaboration #2
• Episode 016 | What does unhealthy conflict look like? From Conflict to Collaboration #3
• Episode 017 | Not dealing with conflict? Here are the implications - From Conflict to Collaboration #4

The other modules in the course include:

• Communication Skills
• Conflict Resolution 101
• Conflict Prevention and Management
• Emotional Intelligence

To learn more about this upcoming online course, and be the first to know the launch date, receive a special discount and other added bonuses, make sure you are either signed up to our mailing list or have joined the Facebook Community.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

A Gift for You: Win a 1:1 Coaching Session!

To celebrate the 100th episode of the Women of Faith in Leadership podcast, I am gifting 5 female Christian Leaders a confidence coaching session. 

In this 60-minute coaching call, we will:

• Uncover the root cause of your self-doubt
• Discuss tactical strategies that you can implement daily and on the spot when you are experiencing a moment of self-doubt

You will also receive an action plan that you can start implementing immediately after the call.

Are you ready to stop doubting yourself and step into leading with bold confidence? Then fill out your application now!

APPLY NOW to win 1 of 5 confidence coaching sessions!

In this episode, we discuss how the use of alcohol, even just low-level use, can affect your behaviour at work and can be the cause of gossip in the workplace.

Sarah is the author of the best-selling book “Beyond Booze, how to create a life you love Alcohol Free’, a multi-award-winning Health and Wellbeing Coach, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach, a menopause coach and a Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. Sarah works tirelessly to support women all over the world to create and live their best lives as they age.

In this episode we discuss:

• Sarah’s expertise in grey-area drinking
• Sarah’s journey with grey-area drinking
• Is it very common to go out drinking with your colleagues in Australia?
• Drinking on mine sites/FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) workers
• What advice would you give to someone who struggles with grey-area drinking? Where can they get started?
• Sobriety as a superpower
• A study about alcohol use in women (Alcohol Use Disorder)
• Normalising alcohol use in society
• Peer pressure and alcohol use
• What strategies/excuses do you give to people not to drink at a work function/business meeting?
• Does social drinking fall into the category of grey-area drinking?

Beyond Booze Book

sarahrusbatch.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

WIN 1 OF 5 CONFIDENCE COACHING SESSIONS!

Navigate HERE to enter!

You are in for a treat as I speak with Amy Daughters about the lost art of Handwritten notes and what an important role they can play in your leadership. About Amy: Amy Weinland Daughters, Award-Winning Author and Keynote Speaker, believes in a world where what makes us different is the very thing that connects us, instead of separates us. She brings that world to life by helping people reconnect to each other through the power of hand-written letters. She brings her wit, humor, and having written 580 handwritten letters to every single one of her Facebook friends, to show you how you can find deep connections in some of the most unexpected places.

We covered the following questions in our 'coffee chat':

• How Amy got started with letter writing
• How does handwritten notes apply to leaders
• How can leaders practically apply this because leaders are busy and don't have a lot of time on their hands. 
• For those leaders who don’t know where to start or who are brand new to handwritten notes, what advice do you have?

Connect with Amy

Navigate to Amy's website where you'll find information about Amy, her book and more about letter writing!

Website: https://www.amydaughters.com/

WIN 1 OF 5 CONFIDENCE COACHING SESSIONS!

Navigate to HERE to enter!

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Struggling to manage your time and still haven't found those strategies that work for you? In this episode, I'll be discussing 6 time management strategies that you can implement today to master your minutes!

1. Delegate

• Why should you delegate?
• Killing perfection
• Tasks you MUST delegate

2. Time Blocking

• Project time/Alone time
• Time to just think
• Seem impossible? Make it happen!

3. Learn to say "no"

• The art of saying "no" and not feeling guilty
• Stop being a people pleaser

4. No multitasking!

• Why multitasking is ineffective
• Do you want it half done, then multitask...

5. Stop wasting time

• On the small stuff - don't major in the minor things
• On ineffective meetings
• On having a lack of clarity

6. Emails

• Don't let your emails rule you
• Turn off your notifications
• Block out time for emails

Bonus Tips:

• Plan your week
• Have set days each week for a specific task
• Take a brain break every 2 hours
• Set calendar reminders for everything

Links:

• Calendly (I actually recommend TidyCal now as you only pay a once off $29 fee!): TidyCal - Book & manage meetings the easy way | AppSumo
• Microsoft Planner: https://tasks.office.com/
• Set up 'rules' in Outlook: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/set-up-rules-in-outlook-75ab719a-2ce8-49a7-a214-6d62b67cbd41

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

Vote for podcast

Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

**Join my book launch team!**

I am launching my book at the end of the year and I am looking for as many people as possible to join my launch team. In exchange, I will send you a free copy of my ebook.

All that you will need to do on launch day, is to post a 5-star review on Amazon and share the launch posts (from my socials) to your socials. That's it! Included in the ebook, is also a free training that you can access exclusively for people who buy the book!

CLICK HERE to join my launch team. I will send you all the relevant information via email. 

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In this episode, I discuss the 6 C's of workplace culture. 

1. Communication
2. Collaboration
3. Clarity
4. Consistency
5. Camaraderie
6. Caring

Listen, as I give practical examples and tips on how you can manage and implement each of these 6 C's.

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Free ‘From Gossip to Growth’ 1-hour workshop:

Register here

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Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

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Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

So, you’ve got a new employee, and you want to onboard them asap so that they can jump in and start working.

But wait! Have you ever considered the importance of the onboarding program?

In this episode, we'll discuss the mistakes leaders make when it comes to onboarding, the risks of not onboarding an employee well and the benefits of a good onboarding program.

1. Not taking onboarding seriously
2. Underestimating the value of the onboarding
3. No written SOP’s

1. Increased training cost
2. Time efficiency problems
3. Reputational damage
4. Employees with low morale

1. Set them up for success
2. Understanding the ins/outs of company
3. Get what’s in your brain, onto paper
4. Run your department the way you want to
5. No unexpected twists
6. Stress that mistakes are allowable
7. Employee retention and job satisfaction
8. Increased productivity
9. Good first impression

I'm curious, what does your onboarding program look like? Come and join the conversation over on the Facebook Group. 

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Hi, beautiful women of faith!

In this podcast series, I am giving you exclusive access to module 2 of my upcoming online course "From Conflict to Collaboration". Enjoy.

Please see all episodes in this series:

• Episode 14 - Part #1: 3 reasons why conflict occurs in the workplace
• Episode 15 - Part #2: Can workplace conflict be healthy?
• Episode 16 - Part #3: The Characteristics of unhealthy conflict
• Episode 17 - Part #4: Not dealing with conflict? Here are the implications

The other modules in the online course include:

• Communication Skills
• Conflict Resolution 101
• Conflict Prevention and Management
• Emotional Intelligence

Join our mailing list today and ensure you are the first to know when this online course releases!

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Download the show notes here

In this episode, I’ll be running you through Tuckman's 5 stages of team development. Let’s see if you can identify which your team is in… 

Why is it that some teams in your organisation get along so well and constantly meet their goals but others don’t?

A couple of years ago, it all clicked when I learnt about Bruce Tuckman’s 5 stages of team development model.

His theory is that every team go through 5 stages. The 5 phases are:

• Phase 1 - The Forming Phase
• Phase 2 - The storming phase
• Phase 3 - The norming phase
• Phase 4 - The performing phase
• Phase 5 - The adjourning phase

Listen as I discuss when each phase commences, the traits of teams in every phase and the leader's role in every phase. 

***From Conflict To Collaboration - New Online Course!***

In one of my upcoming courses - from conflict to collaboration, I’ll be sharing my Fighting Fairly Framework where I’ll be teaching you how you can teach your team to fight fairly as well as how you can successfully navigate and mediate workplace conflict.

Be sure to either sign up to our mailing list or to the free Facebook community for the launch date and any special discount. You will only receive the discounts if you’re either signed up or in the Facebook Group.

The link is womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can sign up and join the group.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

As leaders, we have to be so mindful about our words, what we say and get involved in.

The NLT Study bible calls the following behaviour 'death-dealing':

• lies
• arguments
• insults
• slander
• gossip
• rumours
• flattery
• bragging
• belittling

As leaders, we also have influence over our team and our peers. We have to be extremely mindful of what we say and be so careful not to get involved in things that can cause others to mistrust us. 

I hope you enjoy today's episode. 

• Workplace Gossip Risk Assessment
• Workplace Culture Survey
• 7 Steps to eradicate workplace gossip
• 5 Phases every team will navigate

• On LinkedIn
• On Facebook

If you haven't completed an end-of-year review yet, this is the perfect time!

In this episode, I provide you with reflection questions to assist you with your end-of-year review.

• Individual Growth:
  • Personal & Professional Development: What new skills did you acquire? What books did you read? Did you attend any conferences or workshops? What did you learn from these and what will you be implementing?
  • Well-being: How did you prioritize your physical and mental health? Did you take enough time for rest and rejuvenation?
  • Values Alignment: Did your actions align with your personal and professional values? Were there any instances where you could have better embodied your values?

• Team Performance:
  • Accomplishments: What significant milestones did your team achieve? Did you exceed any key performance indicators (KPIs)?
  • Challenges: What were the biggest obstacles your team faced? How did you and your team overcome them?
  • Team Dynamics: How did your team function as a unit? Were there any communication breakdowns or conflicts that needed to be addressed?

• Leadership Effectiveness:
  • Decision-Making: How effective were your decision-making processes? Did you involve the right people and gather sufficient data?
  • Communication: How effectively did you communicate with your team, stakeholders, and other key individuals?
  • Delegation: How effectively did you delegate tasks and empower your team members?
  • Mentorship & Coaching: Did you provide adequate support and guidance to your team members? Did you identify and nurture their talents?

Tools and Techniques:

• Journaling: Journal your reflections, thoughts, and feelings throughout the year-end review process.
• Mind Mapping: Use mind mapping to visually represent your thoughts and ideas, identify connections, and brainstorm new possibilities. 
• 360-Degree Feedback: Consider seeking feedback from your peers, superiors, and direct reports to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your leadership effectiveness

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Have you ever been in a meeting and thought, “This should have been in an email!”

Or, you’ve attended a meeting and had to participate in an icebreaker that completely embarrassed you?

You’re not alone!

In today’s episode, I’ll share with you some of the tips and tricks I’ve learnt over the years to run effective meetings, and I’d like to invite you to try them, you don’t necessarily have to implement them, but try them, get feedback from your team and see how you go. You'll need to listen to the full episode to hear what I discuss about the following:

1. Everyone sits in a shape format
2. Don't always share the agenda (the opposite of what everyone says you should do)
3. Ice breakers, yay or nay?!

4. Presentations/slide shows/handouts

5. Involve the team.

6. Minutes of the meeting

Do you have any expert team meeting tips you’d like to share?

Come join us in the Facebook community ‘Women of Faith in leadership’ or go to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

AND

Can you take 30 seconds and leave me a review on Apple Podcasts?

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Welcome to the Women of Faith in Leadership podcast

Are you passionate about leadership but often feel inadequate to deal with the difficult situations you face on a day-to-day basis?

Do you battle with balancing faith-based leadership principles and the worldly perspectives of your colleagues and team members?

Do you constantly have to address workplace culture issues like gossip, a lack of communication, conflict, a toxic environment, workplace bullying or bad attitudes?

Are you sick of the relentless fighting with your team, leaving you feeling like a failure?

Are you desperate to implement change but don’t know what to do?

Should you just quit your job and take the easy way out?

Hey, I’m Rika Whelan and I understand all too well the challenges leadership brings, especially as a woman of faith.

I had so many aspirations as a leader. What a wonderful opportunity to coach, and mentor and lead a team…

But then… humanity happened, the human factor. My idyllic idea of leadership quickly turned into an everyday battle with toxic people who couldn’t care less about others.

I didn’t realise how unpredictable people could be and it truly hurt that people could be so cruel and mean to each other.

I knew I had to take action and put the necessary boundaries in place to stop gossip in its tracks and to change that toxic environment into an environment where people could thrive and grow.

But I didn’t know how. It felt like I was in a deep dark pit and no one could help me get out. Except God!

I began to pray and went into battle, fumbling as I went, making many mistakes along the way… but I went… and today I am so proud to stand here and say I did it and, friend… so can you!

God showed me the way and gave me the wisdom I needed to put the necessary steps in place and by His grace alone, I experienced a beautifully peaceful and thriving workplace where my team actually enjoyed coming to work.

I finally had the opportunity to coach, mentor and lead a wonderful team.

I was equipped back then and now I am called to help Christian women like yourself who are desperate for a map, a navigation system to show them the way.

The good news is that there is a way that you can successfully navigate workplace culture without selling your soul.

There is a way that you can happily lead your team, set clear boundaries and finally enjoy coming to work.

In this podcast, you’ll learn practical steps to navigate all things leadership, workplace culture, faith and boundaries.

So grab your coffee or water, keep that notebook and pen handy, and let’s jumpstart your leadership… with God at the Centre of it all.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

 I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

100 episodes! What an amazing journey it's been!

Top 5 listened to episodes:

1. 051 | Is it Time to Break Free from Corporate Life with Anita Anello
2. 073 | 10 Signs that Your Workplace Culture is Toxic - Watch Out for These Red Flags
3. 002 | What is workplace culture and why you should care about it - Organisational culture, Christian Leadership, Faith, Work Family
4. 024 | Dealing with difficult people at work
5. 081 | Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace as a Female Leader

Top 5 countries that listen to the show:

1. USA
2. Australia
3. UK
4. South Africa
5. New Zealand

Thank you!

Thank you to each and every listeners for tuning in every week and for listening to the show

Thank you to God for giving me this opportunity to host the show and allowing me to be an instrument and vessel to share His word and Holy Spirit downloads. 

Coaching Winners

Please check your email to see if you are a winner!

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Here's to the next 100 episodes!

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

It’s my birthday today! Please celebrate with me in the Facebook Group. Go to womenoffaithinleadership.com. Otherwise, leave me a review, that would be an amazing gift indeed.

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Have you ever started praying and caught yourself just praying the same thing over and over again, day in and day out? In this episode, I am going to teach you how you can pray with purpose and make your prayer time more purposeful.

For a long time, I struggled to pray. I was caught in the "please do this Lord and please do that Lord "and "thank you for this and thank you for that".

Nothing deep really and nothing with purpose.

So I got bored and I felt like a fraud to be honest and therefore I stopped. I still felt as if I had a relationship with the Lord and I spent most of my time praising and worshipping. But not necessarily praying.

To be honest, I just didn’t know what to say, what to pray for, so instead of saying something… I said nothing.

But I felt as if God was missing me speaking to Him, and I felt pressed to start praying again. I also felt a whole as if something was in fact missing.

I remembered that I was gifted 3 books by Stormie Martin called:

• The power of a praying wife
• The power of a praying parent and
• The Power of a Praying Woman

So I grabbed those and simply started praying 1 prayer from each book each day, 1 prayer for my husband, 1 for my kids and 1 for me.

It really helped me to have guidance and not wonder what to say or what to pray because I had help!

I then started looking for something similar for my business and found an ebook. So I also started praying for my business each day.

Soon, I started feeling really so much closer to God that I wanted more.  I wanted it to be more personal.

So I started a prayer journal. And what is interesting is that when I started writing down my prayers, they were so much different from when I used to pray, saying something and writing something is completely different. We often don’t talk the way we write and we don’t write the way we talk.

I ended up writing pages and pages of prayer just talking to God about everything.

Soon my prayers became more purposeful and I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning to spend time with God.

As soon as my prayers became more purposeful as well, I started noticing changes within me as well. I felt more confident praying and I no longer wondered what I was going to say because it was simply flowing out.

If you’re feeling stuck and would like to make your prayer more purposeful, I would suggestion the following:

1. Start with a book that gives you the words to say
2. Pray your bible, there are many verses in the bible that you can pray over yourself, for example, the prayer of Jabez, the Lord’s Prayer, pray for yourself and for others to have the fruits of the spirit, pray for your spiritual gifts, pray the Armour of God over yourself
3. Get a prayer journal, start writing down your prayers and look back at them often to see how far you’ve come and what prayers have been answered. It will surprise you!

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Links mentioned in the episode:

• The power of a praying wife
• The power of a praying parent
• The Power of a Praying Woman
• New Living Translation Study Bible
• Praying for your business

Other recommended resources:

• Maxwell Leadership Bible
• 21 Laws of Leadership in the Bible
• The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day
• A Leader's Heart: 365-Day Devotional Journal

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Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

Vote for podcast

Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

**** Ranked Top 10% Globally **** 

Today we are talking about boundaries...

Why are boundaries important? Well let’s get into it and I’ll answer that questions as I go through the 3 ways.

1. Social media

One of the issues is that you are not only seeing the person at work but also they pop up on your feed. The lines become super blurred because you see them at work and then you see them on your phone uploading super silly things and I decided I wanted to protect myself, as this became an ethical issue for me. I didn't want my perception of them to change just because of things they do in their personal time, but also, I wanted to grant them the necessary privacy they deserve. 

2. Events out of work hours

Work events - yes. Personal go out and drink together and do silly things together - no.

When we do all these personal things together, we cross the boundaries when we try and be “friends” with them. You constantly have to move between mate and manager and someone is going to slip up and you will reap the negative consequences of that.

I believe there should be a clear boundary here to protect both you and your team. 

3. Learning to say no

You need to protect your own physical and mental health as a leader. That includes saying no sometimes and not taking everything upon yourself. Delegate those tasks that you know another person can do much quicker than you or even enjoy it. 

Sometimes we want to take things upon ourselves to lighten the load of our team, and now although that is beautiful and a wonderful thing to do, servant leaders often do this to the detriment of themselves, our families and our time.

Yes, there will be times when you will have to jump in and help and work twice as hard, or longer than usual, but so long as that is seasonal and doesn’t become a regular occurrence, you’ll be fine,

The art of saying “no” is really difficult for some, especially the people pleasers.

Learn instead of saying yes immediately, rather come up with a statement or a phrase, like “I’ll think about it and get back to you” or “I’ll evaluate my availability and get back to you” etc. But do not say yes unless you can say with 100% certainty that you can commit to it.

Poll: What topics would you as my listener like me to talk about in upcoming episodes? 

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

**Join my book launch team!**

I am launching my book at the end of the year and I am looking for as many people as possible to join my launch team. In exchange, I will send you a free copy of my ebook.

All that you will need to do on launch day, is to post a 5-star review on Amazon and share the launch posts (from my socials) to your socials. That's it! Included in the ebook, is also a free training that you can access exclusively for people who buy the book!

CLICK HERE to join my launch team. I will send you all the relevant information via email. 

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Let's get to today's episode: Everyone listening to this podcast probably falls into 1 of the following categories:

1. You’ve noticed that there is gossip in the workplace and you have spoken to your team or certain people multiple times about gossiping but it simply doesn’t stop
2. You’ve noticed that there is gossip, but you’re simply too busy to deal with it, so you do nothing
3. You’ve noticed that there is gossip, but you actually don’t know how to deal with it and you’re afraid of conflict, you don’t want to ruffle up some feathers, so you just leave it
4. You’ve noticed that there is gossip, but you’re just annoyed by it, seriously these people are adults, can’t they just stop being so childish and just get on with their work?! You ignore it and you carry on
5. You’ve not noticed any gossip, to be honest, you’ve been a little bit too busy, but you’ve heard from other leaders that it’s becoming a problem, but you continue to ignore it, you’re too busy!

Which category do you fall in?!

The "I’m fed up, I’ve tried everything category", the “I’m too busy category, or the "I know it’s a problem but I don’t know what to do about it" category?

In today’s episode, I want to talk to you about how you can take your team from gossip to growth with my new upcoming program "From Gossip to Growth"

Not too long ago, I was in your shoes, whether that was not knowing what to do, feeling helpless or frustrated, and also feeling determined as a leader to get rid of gossip.

I have seen it all.

I was once part of the problem where I too gossiped. I then became the subject of everyone’s gossip as the newbie or outsider at a new workplace, and I was a leader, who took over from another leader where gossip was rampant and I had to do something about it.

So what did I do?

Well, through trial and error and learning the hard way, I successfully got rid of gossip and kept it that way for the full time that I was still working there, obviously I am not there anymore, so I can’t speak for how it is today, but through my learning and trial and error I have created a system that has not only worked for me, but have now also helped others.

So today, I am excited to share with you, how you can work with me to learn how to get rid of workplace gossip and go from gossip to growth with your team.

1. The first way is through my upcoming book, From Gossip to Growth. It will be launching towards the end of the year, and I am looking for a launch team. You’ll receive my book, completely free of charge, in exchange for a review on launch day and sharing the book on your social media. This is very exciting as this will be the best way for you to gain full free access to both the book and the free training that I will be offering to people who purchase the book. Click the link to register your interest to receive your free book.
2. I’m launching brand new training in 2024, where I’ll be taking you through my step-by-step process of what you need to do to get rid of gossip. I just want to make clear that this is different from the podcast episode 007 Navigating Gossip as a Christian leader. There are some similarities, but this training will provide you with the exact steps, conversations, meetings, documents and everything you need to have and take to get rid of gossip. 

Register now (obligation-free) to learn more about the upcoming program ‘From Gossip to Growth’ launching in 2024. 

In the meantime, I will be running monthly 1 hour workshops for free as well, these are live Zoom trainings. There is one coming up on 30 November 2023, click the link to join me for free.

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Have you been wondering what is the point of doing Annual Performance Reviews (APRs) and whether you should be doing them or not?

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of APRs. Ever wondered, 'Should you do APRs?' We're not just answering that, but we're also unpacking a foolproof, step-by-step process for implementing APRs. Whether you're already on the APR train or haven't hopped aboard yet, this episode is your guide to mastering the art of APR implementation!

……………………………………..

Register now (obligation free) to learn more about the upcoming program ‘From Gossip to Growth’ launching in 2024. 

……………………………………..

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

……………………………………..

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

This is the final episode of the 4-part series, let’s have a chat about the importance of community.

Surrounding yourself with “your” people, people who get you, accept you, love you, just the way you are, is very important for a healthy self-image and building your self-confidence.

When you’re in your comfort zone, doing what you love, with the people you love, you tend to loosen up and just be yourself. No judgement!

It means that you can gain in your self-confidence because you don’t even have to try! You just do.

But that’s not the only community that can support you. Depending on your working environment and the workplace culture, you’ll hopefully be surrounding by people who are cheering for you to do well.

Unfortunately, it is a reality that not all workplaces are like this.

Yesterday, I saw a shocking post on LinkedIn encouraging people to not share anything about their personal lives with their colleagues because they’ll only hold it against them. I immediately responded and said that I disagreed, it’s not about your colleagues, it’s about your workplace culture. That’s what needs fixing.

So, if you’re stuck in a place where you can’t be yourself, share about yourself at your workplace out of fear of the consequences, or you’re in a workplace where they’re not cheering you on, it is vital that you seek community elsewhere.

It could be at home, yes, but at

• Sports club
• Art club
• Music lessons
• Karate lessons

Whatever you like to do but participating in a sport or in anything in your community, is another vital part of building your own self-confidence and believing in yourself and that you are an amazing human being.

My final reminder is this: Remember that the Almighty God in Heaven made you!

Luke 12:7: And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of Sparrows.

1 O Lord, you have examined my heart     and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up.     You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel     and when I rest at home.     You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say     even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me.     You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,     too great for me to understand!

7 I can never escape from your Spirit!     I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;     if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning,     if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me,     and your strength will support me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me     and the light around me to become night— 12     but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day.     Darkness and light are the same to you.

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body     and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!     Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,     as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born.     Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out     before a single day had passed.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God.     They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them;     they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up,     you are still with me!

19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!     Get out of my life, you murderers! 20 They blaspheme you;     your enemies misuse your name. 21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?     Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? 22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred,     for your enemies are my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;     test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you,     and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

1. 139:8 Hebrew to Sheol.
2. 139:17 Or How precious to me are your thoughts.

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Join other Female Christian Leaders!

I’d like to invite you to come and join a community of female Christian leaders who are all seeking to glorify God in their leadership roles. Women like you are also dealing with difficult people who might be in their very first leadership role, seeking others to connect with. Come over, and let’s discuss things like team dynamics, Christian leadership, and so many more topics.

Once a fortnight, I’ll be going live in the FB group and provide a short training that I won’t be featuring on the podcast, so you don’t want to miss out!

Simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com

confidence ≠ being loud or extroverted.

It's trust in one’s abilities and God-given purpose.

A perfect example of this is ESTHER. 

• Bold leadership comes from aligning with God’s will, not from trying to be someone you’re not.
• Stop trying to please others, only aim to please GOD.
• Practical strategies:
  • Listening more than speaking.
  • Leaning into strengths instead of comparing weaknesses.
  • Seeking wisdom and courage through prayer and scripture.

• Explore root causes of self-doubt (comparison, fear of failure, perfectionism).
• Strategies to combat self-doubt:
  • Daily affirmations grounded in scripture (e.g., "I can do all things through Christ").
  • Remembering past wins as evidence of God’s faithfulness.
  • Surrounding yourself with supportive and honest accountability partners.
  • Remember making mistakes is okay!

Confidence grows with practice and trust in God.

Your Challenge:  take one bold step this week (e.g., speak up in a meeting, pray aloud in a group).

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

In today's episode, I share a free diagnostic tool that you can use to improve your organisation and your leadership skills.

The organisational gap analysis focuses on identifying gaps regarding psychological safety in the workplace and workplace relationships. 

As leaders, it's our responsibility to reflect, identify the gaps and make the necessary changes.

This might include an action plan with steps to follow, strategies to implement or training to attend.

But it all starts with that gap analysis!

If you are someone who shies away from reflection or analysing what is missing, then this gap analysis is perfect for you! The questions have been meticulously thought-out to stimulate your thinking and get you moving so that you don't have to shy away from reflection, but rather take action.

CLICK HERE to access the free organisational gap analysis. 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

*Celebrating becoming a Top 3% ranked podcast globally!* Thank you for your support!

In today's podcast update, I share some upcoming episodes as well as about a new series called 'Conversations about Gossip'. This series will tackle real-world examples of how gossip can hurt people, confuse people and cause big BIG problems in businesses, organisations and working environments. 

In the next couple of weeks, I will also be answering a listener question regarding what to do where your boss expects you to lie for them or do the wrong thing.

I'll also be sharing my testimony of the work that the Lord is doing in my life to focus more on this podcast and to serve YOU ALL as women of faith in leadership!

I can't wait!

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Why Review SOPs, Policies, and Procedures?

• • Ensure relevance and effectiveness
  • Identify outdated or unnecessary processes
  • Enhance efficiency and productivity
  • Reduce errors and inconsistencies
  • Improve compliance and risk management

The Review Process

1. Form a Review Team:

• Identify key stakeholders
• Consider diverse perspectives
• Assign specific roles and responsibilities

• Review existing SOPs, policies, and procedures
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and redundancies
• Evaluate clarity and understandability

• Compare current practices to industry best practices
• Identify areas for improvement
• Assess compliance with relevant regulations and standards

• Simplify language and eliminate jargon
• Add visuals or flowcharts for clarity
• Update references and links
• Ensure consistency with organizational goals and values

• Develop training materials and conduct training sessions
• Communicate changes effectively to all stakeholders
• Provide ongoing support and answer questions

Tips for Effective Reviews

• Involve the Right People: Seek input from employees at all levels.
• Set Clear Objectives: Define the goals of the review process.
• Prioritize Reviews: Focus on high-impact areas first.
• Use Technology: Employ tools to streamline the review process.
• Continuous Improvement: Make regular reviews a part of your organizational culture.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Rushing the Process: Take the time to do it right.
• Overcomplicating Procedures: Keep it simple and straightforward.
• Neglecting Employee Input: Listen to the people who do the work.
• Failing to Follow Up: Ensure changes are implemented and maintained.

Want to contribute to my planning for the podcast for 2025? Email me at support@rikawhelan.com and let me know! I have 4 simple questions to ask you that will contribute to my planning. I would really appreciate it!

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Celebrating 50 episodes! Thank you for listening!

Today I'm celebrating 50 episodes on the podcast and it wouldn't be possible without all the amazing women of faith who and listen and support me weekly. 

To celebrate, I have a surprise for you in the episode, can you spot what's new?

_________________

In today's episode, we're talking heart-to-heart about leading through tough times.

As leaders we're role models and it can be tough to lead through tough times and still be a role-model to others. 

Jesus was the perfect role-model to us when he led through the toughest times of his life.

But... the beauty is... He never did it alone! He gathered the troops, and they were with him. 

You are not alone in this!

Listen in as God speaks through me a message for you today.

_________________

Join the Community

Click here to join the community on Facebook

SURVEY

Where do you hang out (on which platform?). Click here to let me know. 

Welcome to another conversation about gossip!

In today's episode, I have Dr Marie Gasper-Hulvat a History of Art professor, who has overcome workplace bullying and has experienced workplace gossiping. She shares with us how this has impacted her at work and how she used it for the good!

Connect with Marie: Email: marie@soulstarattunement.com

Website: http://www.soulstarattunement.com/

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Showing appreciation to your team is an essential part of being a leader.

Everyone on this planet wants to feel valued and as if their life has meaning.

It starts with you as their line manager and boss. You can also show appreciation to your colleagues using the 5 suggestions listed in the episode. 

Get a notebook and pen handy, because this episode is jam packed with ideas and strategies to show appreciation to your team at work. 

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Now it would only be befitting to end this series with one of the bravest women in the bible, and that’s Esther. I love the story of Ester. 

There are 7 leadership lessons that we can learn from Esther.

1. 1. Courageous Initiative - Leadership often requires confronting uncomfortable situations to effect positive change.
   2. Strategic Timing - Effective leaders discern opportune moments and act decisively. Timing matters.
   3. Selflessness and Sacrifice - Leadership involves sacrifice. Putting others’ needs first is a mark of true leadership.
   4. Prayer and Fasting - Leaders should cultivate a strong spiritual foundation. Prayer and seeking God’s wisdom are essential.
   5. Using Influence for Good - Leadership is about using our influence to make a positive impact on others and advance noble causes.
   6. Silent Strength - Leaders don’t always need to be vocal, silent strength and discernment matter.
   7. Faith in Providence - Leaders trust that God works behind the scenes, even when His name isn’t explicitly invoked.

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Ooh... it's the big scary word "Performance Management". 

Is someone in your team not performing the way they should? Not meeting their KPIs or just not doing their job?

What should you do and what are the steps to follow leading up to performance management?

In this episode, I'll discuss the pre-performance management steps and conversations as well as the exact steps to follow to performance manage a staff member, without feeling like you're poking the bear!

Get a pen and notebook handy, and don't forget that coffee!

……………………………………..

Register now (obligation free) to learn more about the upcoming program ‘From Gossip to Growth’ launching in 2024. 

……………………………………..

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

……………………………………..

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay updated with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Gossip Series #3

Welcome to the 3rd part of the Gossip Series. In part 1 we answered the question ‘Is it really gossip?’

In part 2 we had a look at what God says about gossip in the bible.

If you haven’t listened to it yet, I’d highly encourage you to listen to them first.

Gossip can have some really devastating and damaging consequences for the person who is being gossiped about.

In this episode, I discuss 8 devastating consequences workplace gossip can have on the individuals being gossiped about. 

1. 1. Damage to Reputation: Gossip can tarnish an individual's reputation, leading to personal and professional setbacks.
   2. Erosion of Trust: Gossip erodes trust among peers and colleagues, leading to strained relationships.
   3. Negative Emotional Impact: Gossip can cause stress, anxiety, and even depression, negatively affecting an individual's mental health.
   4. Isolation: Those targeted by gossip may feel isolated and excluded, leading to a sense of loneliness.
   5. Impaired Self-Esteem: Individuals subjected to gossip may experience a decline in self-esteem and self-confidence.
   6. Reduced Productivity: Gossip consumes time and energy, reducing an individual's productivity at work or in personal life.
   7. Impact on Mental Well-being: Gossip can lead to mental health issues, contributing to a negative overall well-being.
   8. Has 2 parts:

a. It can affect their relationship with God and

b. it's the same as letting Satan loose into your workplace. Remember James 3:1-12 says: “And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself”

As leaders, we have a duty of care towards the person being gossiped about. We have to protect them from the harm that gossip can cause.

All organisations have risk assessments in place. Why, because they assess the risk of any decision being made, any new equipment being purchased or any new procedure being implemented.

So as to protect the organisation from harm, but more importantly, to protect the people in their organisation. That’s why we have insurance in place as well, right?

So why are we not risk assessing gossip and the consequences it can have?

I have therefore created 2 free resources that you can access when you join the Facebook Community:

1. A risk assessment and management tool, that you can use to assess the risk and consequences of gossip in your workplace.
2. A workplace Culture Survey, which you can give to your team to fill out at your next team meeting, so you can start assessing what everyone’s mindset is regarding the current workplace culture. This will indicate to you either how aware or oblivious people in your team are regarding the issue that you have been experiencing.

Go to www.womenoffaithinleadership.com - join the Facebook Community and download your free resources today.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan/

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate here to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

According to Mental Health America: “Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you.

There are five key elements to EI:

1. self-awareness,
2. self-regulation,
3. motivation,
4. empathy, and
5. social skills.

People with high EI can identify how they are feeling, what those feelings mean, and how those emotions impact their behaviour and, in turn, other people.”

As leaders, we get super involved in everything that happens with our team, projects, and work. And in a sense, if we don’t set the correct boundaries, we can get emotionally involved. That’s just human nature.

However, the biggest challenges for our emotions are when someone pushes our buttons, does the wrong thing, or has an emotional outburst of their own.

The dilemma with leadership that I personally found is that you’re expected to be perfect—the perfect role model.

So, let’s go through a couple of strategies:

The first couple of strategies have to do with your daily emotions and how you can use these to gain emotional intelligence:

1. Self-awareness
2. Social awareness
3. Empathy
4. Develop active listening skills

What to do when you’re in a heated/emotional moment at work.

1. Take a deep breath
2. Use "I" statements
3. Focus on the issue
4. Find common ground
5. Seek mediation

Finally, if things did get heated and you reacted emotionally, apologise and learn from the situation. Reflect afterwards on why you reacted like that and identify the trigger. Now, devise a plan for how you will deal with that next time

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

“I never thought that the teachers would gossip more than the teenage students”

Meet Mike McQuillan:

Mike McQuillan moved from New York, USA to Lima, Peru to teach English as a foreign language.

Mike describes the last institute where he taught as a golden palace built on top of a toxic swamp. The systems worked, and the people were great, but the undercurrent of academic elitism and water cooler gossip undermined the teaching experience. He resigned in protest and now works full-time as a freelance public speaking coach.

We discuss:

• When Mike noticed that gossip is such an issue in the education sector
• Why is the educator sector the worst in terms of gossip?
• Do you think there are enough expectations to guide teacher’s behaviour? What can schools do about it?
• Has Mike ever worked in an environment that has been gossip-free?
• What should leaders do if they have people constantly coming to gossip about their teammates to the leader?
• The difference between ratting someone out and reporting misconduct.
• The biggest source of gossip these days
• And much more.

Connect with Mike

https://fit-presenter.com/about/

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

What should you do if you constantly have to deal with a difficult person at work?

Would you declare war and be difficult to them as well, or would you just let it go?

In this episode, I am going to give you some tips on how to deal with difficult people.

We’ve all worked with someone who is extremely difficult.

They don’t agree with anyone, they always ark up when people make new suggestions or suggest changes and they’ve gained a reputation for being difficult.

So much so that people saying “Oh I wonder what XX will say about that?”

First of all, as leaders, we have a duty of care towards the people in our team. If someone is being difficult, we should try and understand why.

Similar to your high school bully (or workplace bully), they usually are covering up their own hurt and trying to make up for it by being mean to others.

It doesn’t excuse the behaviour, it just explains it.

So when it comes to dealing with difficult people, here are a couple of tips:

1. Don’t take it personally, it usually isn’t you or the team, it’s usually something personal that has happened to them
2. Do not react to their difficult behaviour - stay calm at all times and remain respectful 
3. Call them into your office and speak with them - lay it on the table. “I have noticed that you have been acting a bit troubled lately. I am worried about you, is there anything I can support you with? If they deny it, then give them some examples. If they say they didn’t mean it or it was taken the wrong way, then point out that their current behaviour and reaction is exactly the same and as someone whose job it is to look from the outside in, you can see that something might potentially bother them. Let them know that you are there for them and to support them and that you would appreciate it if they would be a bit more cooperative towards you and the team.
4. If the difficult behaviour continues, call them back in again and speak to them about examples of where their performance was affected by their behaviour and how their behaviour is starting to affect the team.
5. Check-in with them daily, and show them that you care. Invite them for coffee to your office for a chat and hopefully by now, you have started breaking down the barriers so that they will talk to you.

You can also suggest that if they don’t want to talk to you, they speak to someone else like HR or another line manager.

Some people with certain personalities unfortunately are just difficult and it will do you well, to not take it personally. However, you also have to protect your team and if the person’s behaviour is affecting the team, you need to do something about it.

I’m all for accountability in the workplace. Leaders need to keep their people accountable.

I hope this was helpful. Join me again on Friday as we end the week strong.

God bless.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Is your organisation experiencing high staff turnover with no explanation? Or maybe you suspect you know why there is high staff turnover, but you’d like to be sure.

Well, in this episode, I’m going to give you 5 things to review asap and give you some retention strategies to implement.

Conducting Effective Exit Interviews:

• The Importance of Exit Interviews:
  • Why exit interviews are crucial for understanding turnover
  • How to create a safe and confidential space for employees
• Key Questions to Ask:
  • What are the reasons for leaving?
  • What did they like most about their job?
  • What did they dislike most about their job?
  • What could have been done to prevent them from leaving?

Understanding the Causes of high staff turnover:

1. Company Culture:

• Is the company culture positive, supportive, and inclusive?
• Are employees feeling valued and appreciated?
• Are there opportunities for growth and development?

• Are leaders effective and supportive?
• Do leaders communicate clearly and often?
• Do leaders provide constructive feedback and recognition?

• Are salaries and benefits competitive?
• Are there opportunities for bonuses, promotions, and raises?

• Are employees able to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
• Are there flexible work arrangements available?

• Are employees satisfied with their roles and responsibilities?
• Are there opportunities for challenging and meaningful work?

Implementing Retention Strategies:

• Employee Recognition and Rewards:
  • Public recognition programs
  • Private thank-you notes
  • Performance-based bonuses
• Professional Development Opportunities:
  • Training and development programs
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Mentorship programs
• Flexible Work Arrangements:
  • Remote work options
  • Flexible hours
  • Compressed workweeks
• Employee Engagement Initiatives:
  • Team-building activities
  • Social events
  • Employee surveys
• Regular Check-ins and Feedback:
  • One-on-one meetings
  • Performance reviews
  • Open-door policy

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

My guest today is Kadin McEwan, a student, writer, and activist on a mission to help raise awareness about autism in society and part of that includes education.

Kadin has an Autism diagnosis and has experienced the negative effects that gossip can have on neurodivergent people. 

In this episode we talk about Kadin's activism in this space and his experience with gossip.

We also discuss how the onboarding/screening process for employees can improve to ensure that all people are treated with respect, whether they are neurotypical or neurodiverse. 

And finally, Kadin gives advice to leaders on how they can treat people with disabilities in the workplace. 

Enjoy this episode!

Email me: support@rikawhelan.com or

DM me: on Facebook or LinkedIn

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

**Ranked Top 5% Globally!**

It's celebration time! The podcast has reached the top 5% globally. Praise God, He is amazing!! The podcast has also ranked top 150 in the following countries under the Management and Business categories:

• Australia #75
• Canada #63
• Czech Republic #52
• Hungary #3
• India #100
• Indonesia #19
• South Africa #18
• United States #149

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You are sitting in the interview with a candidate and you’re just not sure… is this the right person for the job, or should you keep on looking? In this episode, I'll be discussing 9 (no 10) red flags you should look out for during job interviews.

1. Arrived late, didn’t call ahead of time to let you know and also didn’t apologise upon arrival… 
2. Inappropriate clothing - underwear showing or using their body to gain favour with panel members
3. Badmouthing their current/old workplace/boss - shows disloyalty - what will they say about you when they leave or move on
4. Unprofessional conduct or comments during the interview - swearing, getting angry, crying, racist, ageist, sexist comments
5. Unable to answer simple questions about why they really want the job, why they think they would be a good fit for the role
6. Didn’t do their research - unsure of the job role they applied for, came unprepared
7. Don’t agree with the values of the company/organisation - for example, integrity, no gossip, etc.
8. Inconsistency with the stories they tell against their resume
9. Fix mindset during the interview - seem unwilling to change from the way they have ‘always done things’
10. You just don’t feel confident about this person being the right person for the job, trust your gut! 

Remember to document as much as possible during an interview, body language, language, and personal info they shared that might affect their ability to do the job.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

Vote for podcast

Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

Today, I’ll tackle a tricky topic: gossip in the church.

The one thing that I love about going to church is the fellowship. Talking freely with other Christians while enjoying a coffee or tea while the kids play. It’s nice.

And then, if you’re lucky, you get to attend a weekly small group meeting where 5-10 people usually come together to either unpack the sermon of the week or to learn about and unpack a new topic.

However, it’s in this fellowship that gossip can become an issue.

Satan will try and find a way to interject himself into Godly conversations and one way he does this is through gossip.

…………………..…………………..

One way that gossip masks itself is through concern.

Let’s use Sue as an example (fictional of course)

Sue might know someone who is going through a tough time and then share her concern with others, causing people to talk about that person.

Or Sue might know a piece of confidential information that someone might have shared with her and then share that with others by asking them to pray for that person.

Inadvertently, Sue is creating a gossip culture, where no one in the church can feel safe anymore because they can’t share any concerns with people they trust, for fear that it would be shared with others “out of concern” or because that person asked others to pray for them.

…………………..…………………..

Another way that gossip can mask itself is through the judgement and/or so called “empathy” towards others.

I’ve always found it super interesting that Christians, in general, are so super judgemental of others when Jesus himself came and broke all thought patterns about judging others.

And I’m 1000% including myself in this discussion, because I have found myself very guilty of this.

When someone does something that we know is sinful or specifically mentioned in the bible as a no-go-zone, then we are quick to judge them, and it becomes a topic of discussion with others.

"Oh, have you heard that Sue’s teenage daughter is pregnant? Isn’t it just such a shame? Sue must be so embarrassed."

Or "/have you heard the sad news that Sue and Jo are getting a divorce? It’s such a shame, isn’t it? I feel so sorry for Sue, because rumour has it that Jo cheated on her."

So, we’re talking about others, seemingly feeling sorry for them, but in actual fact we’re gossiping.

…………………..…………………..

Church communities can be small communities and the thing we know about communities is that there will always be people who love to know what is going on in the community with other people.

So what can we as leaders in the church do about this? Is it even your duty to do something about this?

Or should it just be the main leader, the pastor who as a duty of care?

No, I don’t believe it should be.

I believe that God gave all of us the ability to speak up, to say no to gossip and to not stand for it.

…………………..…………………..

What does the bible say about gossip?

Go and listen to episode 4 where I discuss in full what the bible says about gossip.

Proverbs 18:21 reads: “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences”

The Bible, both the Old and the New Testament, warns strongly against gossip and the effect that your words and your tongue can have.

God, however, doesn’t leave us in the lurch and say, “Figure it out by yourself”.

No, in true God-style, He gives us the tools, “the antidote” if you will, for dealing with gossip and for dealing with the gossipers.

…………………..…………………..

Ephesians 4:32 “Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God through Christ has forgiven you.

This verse requests that we be kind to each other, and tender-hearted (which according to Webster dictionary means compassionate)

Forgive the person, just like Christ has forgiven you.

…………………..…………………..

Proverbs 17:9 says, “He who covers over an offence promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

Basically, stop the gossip with you, don’t spread it any further. You can make the choice to not gossip anymore if this is an issue for you.

…………………………….

Proverbs 20:19 tells us, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much

As a leader, it is crucial that we do not betray someone’s trust. Whatever is said to you should remain confidential, unless it’s life-threatening and you are compelled to speak up to another leader, but do not utter a word to anyone else. Do not fall in that trap.

…………………………….

Lastly 1 Timothy 18:15-18 reads: “If another believer sins against, you, go privately and point out the offence. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you may say be confirmed by two or three witnesses.

In a church environment, this would translate to going directly to that person and asking them to stop spreading rumours and gossiping

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The main things that I would like you to take away from today’s podcast is:

1. Take gossip seriously, it can have long-term effects on you and the church
2. Speak up against gossip, address it directly with the person/person’s involved
3. If you are struggling with gossip yourself, pray that the Lord will guide you and help you to stop, so that you can show integrity at church and not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.

Click here to join like-minded faith-driven leaders in our Women of Faith in Leadership Community. 

1:1 Coaching

Book a 1:1 coaching call with me

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Sometimes it's just really difficult to say no, especially to those individuals who are good at persuading us to do things we know we shouldn't say yes to.

In this episode, I discuss ways you can say no when someone confronts you with a questions and I offer some bonus tips. 

In the moment

1. Pause and Breathe: When caught off guard, it's essential to take a moment to collect your thoughts. A deep breath can help. This brief pause allows you to respond thoughtfully.
2. Buy Time: You can say something like, "Let me check my schedule and get back to you," or "I'll need to see if I can fit that in. I'll let you know." This approach gives you time to evaluate the request.
3. Express Gratitude: Start your response with gratitude. For example, "I appreciate you thinking of me for this, but..."
4. Use "I" Statements: Frame your response in terms of your own limitations or priorities. Say something like, "I have other commitments that prevent me from taking on additional tasks right now."
5. Set Boundaries: Gently but firmly establish your boundaries. You can say, "I've committed to focusing on my current projects, and I can't take on anything more."
6. Be Clear and Concise: Keep your response simple and to the point. Long explanations can lead to misunderstandings. For example, "I can't, I'm fully booked with my current projects."
7. Stay Firm: Don't apologise for excessively or over-explain. Be confident in your response.
8. Offer Alternatives: If you're unable to help directly, suggest other potential solutions or colleagues who might assist. This shows your willingness to be helpful even when you can't take on the task.
9. Hold Your Ground: If the requester persists, it's crucial to maintain your position. You can reaffirm your boundaries and explain that you're not in a position to help.

Other Tips

• Practice: Practice saying no with a trusted friend or colleague. This can help build confidence for real-life situations.
• Learn From Experience: After each situation where you've had to say no, reflect on it. What went well? What could you have done better? Use each experience as a learning opportunity.
• Support Network: Seek support from a mentor or colleague experienced in setting boundaries. They can provide guidance and encouragement.
• Visual Cues: In a face-to-face conversation, body language can help convey your message. Maintain good eye contact and use a calm, steady tone.
• Non-Verbal Responses: Sometimes, a polite shake of the head or a gesture of holding up your hand can signify that you can't take on the task right now.
• Learn Phrases: Memorise polite phrases for declining tasks. For example, "I'm sorry, but I can't commit to that at the moment."

Download your free resources here

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

As leaders we wear so many hats and we juggle so many balls. Listen as I discuss how you can prioritise which hats to wear and which balls to juggle.

You are not a clown in a circus - you are not here to entertain anyone! However, you are here to lead, coach, mentor and guide your team. 

Links mentioned in the episode:

• From Conflict to Collaboration Online Course
• Episode #014 | 3 Reasons Why Conflict Occurs in the Workplace
• Episode #015 | Can workplace conflict be healthy?
• Episode #016 | The characteristics of unhealthy conflict
• Episode #017 | Not dealing with conflict? Here’s the implications
• How to get rid of Gossip Ebook Edition 1 (Edition 2 extended version coming in 2024!)
• Workplace Culture Hub website
• Women of Faith in Leadership website

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Vote for podcast

Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

****Freebie****

I have a free self-care journal and workbook that you can download. Click the link in the description and download your journal and workbook today, completely free of charge. CLICK HERE to download it now. 

In today’s episode, I’ll be chatting with you about Boundaries, Balance and self-care.

Barb Moses said: “If you don’t take care of yourself, you are teaching others that they don’t need to take care of themselves.”

Leaders lead by example and so often, we give more than what we should because that’s our nature as leaders.

So setting boundaries to ensure balance and self-care for YOU occurs, you need to put certain steps/structures in place to help and support you.

As early as 10 years ago, perhaps even 5 years ago, the notion of self-care nearly didn’t even exist. There was not much awareness surrounding mental health and the like and lucky for us, things have changed.

2.5 years into my journey as a leader where I lead anywhere between 40-50 people at any given point in time, I burned out.

2.5 years?! Really?

Yes, really.

I had to go on 'burn-out' leave although I really didn't want to!

Shortly after I returned, I had a new employee who was giving me a bit of a hard time. I was always very open and honest about my journey with burnout because I wanted to help others prevent it. This employee however was much older than me and openly to my face criticised me for burning out and wondered how that was even possible.

I was flabbergasted, to say the least, and felt as if I needed to defend myself. I did to some extent but realised it was a losing battle and really not worth my time.

I felt a bit of resentment towards this employee because clearly, they did not know all the hours, and after hour hours I put in to make sure that everything was running smoothly.

What was meant to be 38 hours a week full-time job, turned into a 70-hour-a-week job… and why? Because I lost all control of boundaries. There was absolutely no balance and zilch, nada, zero self-care!

And who suffered?

My children, my husband, my household, my physical and mental health and the list goes on. It was totally abnormal!

So, yes… I burnt out fairly quickly within 2.5 years so I needed to take a break.

I thought 1 week max, and I’ll be fine again! I spoke to my line manager at the time and she basically said to me that I needed to take a minimum of 3 weeks, and if I needed more after that, she would grant the request instantly!

I was frustrated. 3 weeks! I went to my GP to get the medical certificate for the 3 weeks and had a grumble to her, and she concurred.. 3 weeks is the absolute bare minimum and if I needed more time after 3 weeks, she would give me the note instantly.

I didn’t understand why everyone was making such a fuss.

Clearly I still wasn’t getting it right?!

I did however, to appease my husband, delete all the work apps off my phone and he took my computer away for the 3 weeks. We agreed I would check in with my assistant manager at the time if everything was going okay and if she needed anything.

So, after 3 weeks, I was fine and SO ready to go back. I did really well for the first year or so, committed to no multitasking, not working so many hours and spending time with my family when I was home instead of being on my computer all the time.

But…. You guessed it.. it didn’t take long, and I was back where I started. 70 hours a week, burning the candle on both ends of the stick and just pushing and pushing myself. Getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night.

I always had this ‘rule’. I would not work past midnight… even that rule flew out the door!

I knew this had to stop as things were starting to spiral backwards.

I was starting to make huge mistakes, avoidable mistakes, mistakes that affected my team members, colleagues, clients….

And one day in September 2022, I prioritised my work above my family, once again…. And it all went pear-shaped that day.

That day… I knew… this is it… no more!

I was going to have to quit my job because this can’t continue.

I worked for another 6 months so that we could save up and make all the necessary arrangements. I overworked myself still in those 6 months, but this time so that I could offload all that was in my brain into a handbook for someone else.

After I left, we went on a 3-week holiday and I returned and immediately jumped in and started my business.

I didn’t even give thought to the fact that I might need to actually just take a proper break, (because who rests on a holiday when they have 3 kids right?!)

So I went in full swing and all of a sudden, I could no longer do the hours I was used to (seriously have I learnt nothing!).

I was tired and exhausted, I became sick, time after time after time and I felt so fed up. Spent weeks on end in bed, and bashing myself for not working and growing my business…

I didn’t realise how burnt I was until my body started telling me…. It’s time to stop now!!

AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE BEST OF ALL OF THIS?

Where is my statue? The statue erected in my honour for burning myself out TWICE?

Nowhere…. Why? Because no one cared that I worked that many hours because no one was expecting it of me? No one was cracking a whip and said I had to work that many hours….! It was my own over-the-top-too-committed-work ethic that shot me in the foot!!

So what have I learnt from 5 years of not setting boundaries, not balancing my personal life with my professional life and if I had to do it all over again, what would I do differently?

How do other people do it and what is their advice?

What advice would I give myself 5 years ago if I had to do it all over again? 

1. Time Management: You must learn to manage the actual time you have available. Write down how many actual hours a day and per week you have and work with those hours. Then learn to work within those boundaries. Allocate time for self-care activities. Schedule regular breaks, get up and stretch your legs, and take a turn around your room 'Pride and Prejudice' style!
2. Learn to Say No: Learn that you cannot take everything on onboard, servant leaders often give give give, but you still need to learn to say no. It is crucial that you protect your time and your health. 
3. Delegate Responsibilities: Delegate tasks that 1. you do not need to do, 2. that you don't want to do and that others actually like doing, and 3. things that you are not good at that other people can do much better than you
4. Establish Technology Boundaries: Take breaks from your devices. Unplug from social media and work apps. Avoid bringing your laptop from work home. Put your phone away when you are with your kids or with your partner. 
5. Regular Reflection: Leaders can really benefit from periodic reflection about self-care. What are you wasting your time on? What habits need to change? It starts with us. We need to start dedicating enough time to recharge and reflect. 
6. Something fun: Do something that YOU enjoy! Not your children, or your husband, but YOU enjoy it. Take a walk a the beach, take a hike, journal, read your bible, spend time with the Lord, read a book! But unwind regularly and detach yourself from technology during this time.

It's all about mindset: If you think it is possible, it's possible. If you think it's impossible, then it is impossible. 

“If you think it is possible, it will be possible. If you think it is impossible, the impossible will be possible. Whatever you think; whether possible or impossible will forever be possible to happen.” ― Israelmore Ayivor

Last couple of reminders:

• Please leave a review
• Join the Facebook group
• Vote for my podcast in the Australian podcast awards, votes close 11 November 2023.

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THE ART OF SAYING NO BOOKS. 

• The Art of Saying NO: Learn To Stand Up For Yourself, Communicate Effectively, Set Healthy Boundaries, And Be Assertive To Protect Your Happiness

• The Art Of Saying NO: How To Stand Your Ground, Reclaim Your Time And Energy, And Refuse To Be Taken For Granted (Without Feeling Guilty!)

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

In this episode, we'll be discussing how you can use your spiritual gifts in the workplace. 

Are you currently using your spiritual gifts in the workplace? Or do you not know what your spiritual gifts are? In today’s episode, we’re talking about spiritual gifts and how you can use them in the workplace, for the glory of God.

Complete these quizzes/surveys to find out what your spiritual gifts are:

1. https://spiritualgiftsassessment.org/quiz

2. https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/

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In 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Paul lists the following spiritual gifts: 

• word of wisdom,
• word of knowledge,
• faith,
• gifts of healing,
• working of miracles,
• prophecy,
• distinguishing spirits,
• various kinds of tongues, and
• interpretation of tongues.

In recent years, these spiritual gifts have been broken down into 15 different spiritual gifts:

• Administration,
• being an apostle,
• discernment,
• evangelism,
• exhortation,
• faith,
• giving,
• healing,
• helper,
• hospitality,
• knowledge,
• leadership,
• mercy/compassion,
• prophecy,
• serving,
• speaking in tongues,
• teaching or shepherding,
• and wisdom.

In this episode, I'll be discussing how you can use these in the workplace and how it will be relevant for you as well as what a great opportunity you have to use your spiritual gifts in the workplace. 

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Links mentioned in this episode:

Ps Andrew Wommack - 4 Basics of Hearing God's Voice

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DZL10TfiYNPvrh8V4Fhi0

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gS2JBOIftQ

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Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Gossip Series #2 

Have you ever wondered what God thinks about gossip? Have you ever wondered what the bible says about gossip? In this episode, I dive deep into the bible to discover what God thinks about gossip and what the bible says about it.

Gossip is extremely destructive, yet people continue to do it without understanding the real consequences of it. The bible clearly and very strongly speaks against gossip and warns of the consequences, should you decide to gossip or even listen to gossip.

Gossip, you see, it's like a sneaky toxin that can poison the very essence of our communities, and yet, it often slips by unnoticed. But here's the thing: the Bible doesn't mince words when it comes to gossip. It offers clear warnings and powerful insights into the ripple effects it can create.

This episode has some serious truth bombs and I believe now is the time for us as Christian women to rise up and stand up against the toxic environments that gossip causes. As leaders, it is not only our duty but also our duty of care towards everyone we lead to eliminate gossip and enable thriving environments and communities at our workplaces.

And here's the beautiful part - as Christian women leaders, we have a unique calling to nurture environments of trust and respect, to be the change-makers who silence the whispers. It's not just a duty; it's a divine mission.

We can no longer sit back and hope that gossip with just go away. It won’t… Unless you are willing to do something about it. So why don’t you join me, join me in standing up and saying “NO MORE GOSSIP!”.

Below are all the verses in the bible that speak and warn against gossip. There are a couple of words used interchangeably, for example, slander, warnings of your ‘tongue’ and your ‘words’. They are all listed below.

Bible verses about gossip:

• Prov 16:28 - A troublemaker plants seeds of strife: gossip separates the best of friends.
• Prov 26:20 - Fire goes out without wood and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.
• 2 Cor 12:20 - For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarrelling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behaviour.
• Ps 15:3 - Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbours or speak evil of their friends?
• 1 Tim 5:13 - And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t.
• Lev 19:16 - Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. “Do not stand idly by when your neighbour’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.
• Proverbs 20:19 - “…do not associate with a gossip.”
• Proverbs 11:13a - A gossip goes around telling secrets but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence

Bible verses about slander

• Matt 15:19 - For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.
• Mark 7:21-22 - For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.
• Eph 4:31 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour.
• Col 3:8 - But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language.
• Prov 10:18 - Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.
• 1 Tim 3:11 - In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
• Titus 2:3 - Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honours God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.
• Titus 3:2 - They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarrelling Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
• 2 Peter 2:2 - Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered.
• Romans 1:29 - Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behaviour, and gossp.
• 2 Corinthians 12:20 – Both differentiate gossip from slander and condemn it as the result of a depraved mind, unfitting for Christians.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Both condemn “busybodies” who “speak about things not proper to mention.”

Bible verses about the tongue

• Jas 3:7-8 - People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue.
• Ps 34:13 - Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
• Prov 13:3 - Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
• Prov 15:4 - Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
• Prov 17:20 - The crooked heart will not prosper the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.
• Prov 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit
• Prov 21:23 - Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. (Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his should from troubles)
• Jas 3:5 - In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
• Jas 1:26 - If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Bible verses about confidentiality

• Proverbs 11:13 – He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.
• Proverbs. 17:9a - He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.
• Proverbs 20:19 – He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip.
• Proverbs 25:9-10 - …don’t reveal the secret of another, lest he who hears it reproach you, and the evil report about you not pass away.
• Matthew 18:15 - If your brother sins, go and reprove him in private…” This implies the desirability of resolving the matter one-on-one.

Bible verses about our words

• Prov 10:19 - When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
• Prov 12:18 - There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
• Prov 12:19 - Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.
• Prov 13:3 - Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
• Prov 15:1 - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
• Prov 16:24 - Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy of the body.
• Eph 4:29 - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
• Matt 12:36 - I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak
• Matt 12:37 - For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
• Matt 15:18 - But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.
• Col 4:6 - Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate Here to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

References as part of my research for this episode:

dwellcc.org. (n.d.). Confidentiality, Gossip, and Openness in the Body of Christ | Dwell Community Church. [online] Available at: https://dwellcc.org/learning/essays/confidentiality-gossip-and-openness-body-christ#:~:text=On%20the%20one%20hand%2C%20Scripture%20speaks%20strongly%20against%20gossip.&text=Romans%201%3A29%3B%202%20Corinthians [Accessed 4 Sep. 2023].

Kimball, C. (2002). Sermon on Gossip: The 8th Deadly Sin - Sermons & Articles. [online] Preaching.com. Available at: https://www.preaching.com/sermons/gossip-the-8th-deadly-sin-proverbs-188/#:~:text=Gossip%20is%20incredibly%20destructive [Accessed 4 Sep. 2023].

What should you do if you constantly have to deal with a difficult person at work?

Would you declare war and be difficult to them as well, or would you just let it go?

In this episode, I am going to give you some tips on how to deal with difficult people.

We’ve all worked with someone who is extremely difficult.

They don’t agree with anyone, they always ark up when people make new suggestions or suggest changes and they’ve gained a reputation for being difficult.

So much so that people saying “Oh I wonder what XX will say about that?”

First of all, as leaders, we have a duty of care towards the people in our team. If someone is being difficult, we should try and understand why.

Similar to your high school bully (or workplace bully), they usually are covering up their own hurt and trying to make up for it by being mean to others.

It doesn’t excuse the behaviour, it just explains it.

So when it comes to dealing with difficult people, here are a couple of tips:

1. Don’t take it personally, it usually isn’t you or the team, it’s usually something personal that has happened to them
2. Do not react to their difficult behaviour - stay calm at all times and remain respectful 
3. Call them into your office and speak with them - lay it on the table. “I have noticed that you have been acting a bit troubled lately. I am worried about you, is there anything I can support you with? If they deny it, then give them some examples. If they say they didn’t mean it or it was taken the wrong way, then point out that their current behaviour and reaction is exactly the same and as someone whose job it is to look from the outside in, you can see that something might potentially bother them. Let them know that you are there for them and to support them and that you would appreciate it if they would be a bit more cooperative towards you and the team.
4. If the difficult behaviour continues, call them back in again and speak to them about examples of where their performance was affected by their behaviour and how their behaviour is starting to affect the team.
5. Check-in with them daily, and show them that you care. Invite them for coffee to your office for a chat and hopefully by now, you have started breaking down the barriers so that they will talk to you.

You can also suggest that if they don’t want to talk to you, they speak to someone else like HR or another line manager.

Some people with certain personalities unfortunately are just difficult and it will do you well, to not take it personally. However, you also have to protect your team and if the person’s behaviour is affecting the team, you need to do something about it.

I’m all for accountability in the workplace. Leaders need to keep their people accountable.

I hope this was helpful. Join me again on Friday as we end the week strong.

God bless.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

Vote for podcast

Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

Have you ever found yourself questioning if you’re the right person for the job? Wondering if you’re really equipped to lead?

You’re not alone!

Self-doubt is one of the biggest struggles for leaders—especially women of faith.

But here’s the good news: God hasn’t called you to lead without equipping you.

Today, we’re talking about why leaders struggle with self-doubt and, more importantly, how to overcome it!

1. Comparison Trap It’s easy to look at other leaders and think, ‘She’s more experienced, more confident, more capable than me.’ But comparison is the enemy of confidence. God didn’t call you to be her—He called you to be you.

• Biblical example: Think about Moses. He doubted his ability to lead and even tried to push the responsibility onto Aaron (Exodus 4:10-13). But God assured him, “I will be with you.”

2. Fear of Failure What if I mess up? What if I let people down? What if I’m not enough? Fear of failure paralyzes so many leaders. But failure isn’t final—God redeems every mistake.

• Biblical example: Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus still chose him to lead the early church.

3. Imposter Syndrome—Feeling Unqualified Many leaders feel like they don’t belong in the role they’re in. Maybe you’ve thought, ‘Who am I to lead others?’ But remember, God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

• Biblical example: Esther was an orphan girl turned queen, and she likely felt unqualified to stand before the king. Yet she boldly stepped into her purpose.

💡 1. Shift Your Focus from Yourself to God Confidence in leadership doesn’t come from your skills or experience alone—it comes from knowing who called you. When Moses doubted, God didn’t give him a pep talk about his abilities. Instead, He said, ‘I will be with you.’ (Exodus 3:12)

• Action Step: Start each day reminding yourself that you are called and equipped by God.

💡 2. Speak Truth Over Yourself What voices are you listening to? The enemy loves to whisper, ‘You’re not good enough.’ But what does God say? ‘You are fearfully and wonderfully made.’ (Psalm 139:14)

• Action Step: Write down 3 truths about your leadership and declare them daily. Example:

1. I am called to lead with purpose.
2. God has given me everything I need for this season.
3. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

💡 3. Take Small, Bold Steps Self-doubt fades when you take action in faith. Confidence isn’t the absence of fear—it’s trusting God in spite of fear.

• Action Step: Identify one bold leadership move you can make this week, even if it feels small—speaking up in a meeting, mentoring someone, or simply saying ‘yes’ to an opportunity.

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Merry Christmas!

In this very last episode of 2023, I break down some amazing numbers:

- How many downloads have the podcast have

- What are the top 3 episodes since the podcast launched in September 2023

- Where in the world are all our listeners from?

- Rankings

Then, we end the episode with prayer for 2024. You don't want to miss it.

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Please leave a review for the podcast on Apple Podcast here.

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Join the Women of Faith in Leadership Community on Facebook. 

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

In this episode, I share with you a 7-step framework for eradicating workplace gossip. 

If you want to create an environment where everyone respects each other, where employees have a growth mindset, are productive, love coming to work and your workplace is an overall joy to be in, you need to take the necessary steps to eradicate workplace gossip.

It can be difficult to confront employees who gossip, but I have made it simple for you with this 7-step framework. 

To download a free copy of the framework, click here.

From Gossip to Growth Program

Join the 'From Gossip to Growth' program where we'll go into each step of the framework during a 2-day intensive workshop on Zoom. I'll also provide you with all the templates, documents and scripts you need as part of this process. 

Click here to join the program. 

Join the Women of Faith in Leadership Community

Click here to join us on Facebook. 

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Click here to connect.

As leaders, we can feel drained by our workload and the fires we have to fight daily.

But have you ever considered how your actions might affect your team?

Let's discuss 5 mistakes that leaders make that push their team to burnout

1. Overloading Workloads

2. Neglecting Work-Life Balance

3. Poor Communication

4. Micromanagement

5. Ignoring Employee Well-being

Tune in to the episode as I share my own experience with these 5 mistakes and the solutions you can implement to avoid them. 

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Kindness is not a weakness!

In another Godly download, I share with you how you can lead with kindness in your workplace. Jesus was a great example to us as a leader and He led with kindness at all times.

As women of faith in leadership, we have the most amazing opportunity to: 

• mentor our coach and our team
• change the trajectories of our team's lives
• change our team's perspective of leadership
• be remembered as the leader who cared. 

I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode and share your thoughts with me.

LET'S CONNECT

• On Facebook: Women of Faith in Leadership Community
• On LinkedIn: Rika Whelan

1 QUESTION SURVEY

• Fill it out now

We’re in the middle of a series, gaining confidence in your own abilities. In the previous 2 episodes, we discussed spiritual growth and personal development and how this can help you gain confidence.

This episode will discuss how professional development can help you gain confidence.

It’s no secret that when you want to learn a new skill, you’re highly likely to Google the ‘how to’ or if it’s a skill you need for work, you’ll attend a course or training program to learn that new skill. YouTube is a common one for us as well.

But does it really have merit?

Can you really gain confidence by attending professional training or development?

I think this one is debatable and depends how you want to look at it.

If you don’t have confidence in your own abilities because you lack a certain skill set, then yes, you can absolutely go and gain the book knowledge for it. Hence the reason why some companies/careers also require certain qualifications. They hold merit for sure.

However, if you lack confidence, because of a lack of experience, then I say embrace it! Find ways to gain experience, seek them out. Don’t wait for them to just miraculously happen. Seek them out. Ask your line manager to keep you in mind for the next project or volunteer somewhere during your time off. The only way to gain experience, is to do the thing that you want to gain experience in.

An example of this for me was project management.

I was leading a department and I had to run multiple projects. I knew absolutely nothing about successful project management.

I had 2 options:

• Go and study about it - get the book knowledge (which would have helped a lot! Now that I’ve done project management my MBA, I see the real value in in)
• Learn from others and gain the experience.

I chose the latter. I asked my line manager to include me in any future projects, or at least to keep me abreast so that I can learn from the best.

Professional development doesn’t always have to be a course or a training or something that you can prove on paper you did. This is how we have been made to believe it is.

Professional development can happen by learning from your peers, your line managers, other departments.

The most important thing is that you continue developing, professionally.

As soon as you become stagnant and think “I’ve made it”. Then be worried, be very worried.

So, continue your learning, continue your professional development and continue gaining confidence in your own abilities.

You are amazing because our one true God made you, formed you in your mother’s womb, he knows you by name, he knows how many hairs there are on your head.

He loves you.

I hope you are blessed by this.

I will chat with you all again next week.

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

At the end of December, I'll be taking some much-needed time to pray over the podcast for 2025, and I need your input!

If you have 15 minutes available to have a quick chat with me (I have prepared some super easy questions, so no need to prepare), I would really appreciate that!

Simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com or you can DM me on Facebook Messenger or on LinkedIn. 

Thank you!!

***Podcast Announcement***

As of 11 December 2023, I'll be going down to 1 episode a week. This supports my belief in setting healthy boundaries, which is also a pillar of this podcast. 

I am excited to launch my new Gossip to Growth (G2G) Program in 2024, including an online course, a virtual program and a book. To do this well, I need the time to invest and to make sure that it is 100% before its release. 

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In this episode, I'll be delving into 5 myths/limiting beliefs about workplace gossip that might be holding you back from dealing with workplace gossip.

Grab a notebook and pen and let's bust some myths!

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Register now (obligation free) to learn more about the upcoming program ‘From Gossip to Growth’ launching in 2024. 

……………………………………..

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

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Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Happy New Year friend! I hope that this year will be a super blessed year for you. If you haven’t done so already, listen to episode 40 where I prayed for you for all the things God pressed on my heart to pray for you.

Let’s talk about organisational values, what are your organisation’s values? What message do they communicate and do staff know this message?

Your organisation's values

On a piece of paper, or on your phone, write down your organisation’s values. If you don’t know them, pause me now, go to your organisation’s website and look it up.

If I go and work there, would I actually find that these values are true, lived out, used, or are they just some words on a piece of paper or on a logo.

Top 20 values organisation hold in 2023

The top 20 values that organisations hold is:

1. Integrity
2. Accountability
3. Humility
4. Respect
5. Teamwork
6. Diversity
7. Curiosity
8. Leadership
9. Courage
10. Honesty
11. Collaboration
12. Creativity
13. Innovation
14. Passion
15. Simplicity
16. Operate ethically
17. Commitment
18. Constant improvement
19. Democracy
20. Inclusion

How can an organisation's values be true?

For an organisation’s value to be true, it needs to be embodied by every single person working there.

For every single person to embody it, they need to truly understand what each value means, to the organisation but also to them as an individual. Why were these values chosen in the first place, have these values ever changed and what’s the value behind the values?

Why are values chosen?

Organisations often choose values at the beginning, because this is what they would like their organisation to stand for, however, it ultimately will boil down to the people who work there, the people who the organisation have chosen to work there.

Employing new staff

Every single time when you employ a person, you are taking a risk and hope that they will embody the organisation’s values. If the values are clearly communicated during the interview process, and then if you feel they meet or don’t meet those values, our decision should also be based on this, not only knowledge or qualifications. The person might be perfect for the role, but if they won’t embody the values or their values don’t match up, it’s not a good fit.

Ask scenario questions. What is somebody’s stance on integrity, humility, accountability. Give them a scenario about ethics, how would they behave?

How about when you joined?

Think about when you joined the organisation, how did you find out about the values? Was it clearly communicated to you, do people speak about it often, are strategic decisions based on these values, or are they just some dusty words on a banner or logo?

The organisation's values

The fact of the matter is if no one knows the values, how can the organisation be known for these values and trusted by customers to live out these values.

For every single person to embody the organisation’s values, they need to truly understand what each value means.

• What does it mean to the organisation and what is the expectation for the values to be embodied. Everyone’s experiences, backgrounds are different. Respect might mean 1 thing in 1 culture, but another thing in another culture.
• What does the value mean to the organisation?
• What does it mean to you as an individual and how will you be expected to embody that value?
• Why were the values chosen in the first place?
• Have these values changed over the years and why?
• What the value behind the values?

Often, when organisations fail to communicate their values to their employees, especially it it’s not part of the induction process, employees don’t know where the boundary lines are and they will cross it.

For example, if the value of the organisation is accountability, but there are absolutely no accountability processes, procedures, mechanisms or strategies in place, employees will push the boundaries because they know they won’t be held accountable.

Another example, if the value of the organisation is to operate ethically, but leaders are constantly showing unethical behaviour, scamming customers etc. then employees will push the boundaries, because they know that they don’t have to behave ethically themselves.

Yes, we can hold personal values and stand up against unethical behaviour, but if the whole business is running unethically, you’ll have a hard time working there. You’ll probably end up leaving and ensure the next organisation you work for, do in fact act ethically.

So, the question then is, does your organisation’s values mean anything to employees?

If not, what needs to change? What influence can you have on those at the top. Listen to episode 39 as I shared ways you can influence up.  What solutions will you offer?

Sometimes you might not be in a position to change the values, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work with your team, to start living out the values with your team.

Exciting things happening in 2024!

• Launching new book
• Launching a new program that goes a long with the book
• Talking a lot more about gossip and creating awareness

Please ensure you are on the mailing list, so that you can be the first to know.

Go to womenoffaithinleadership.com to subscribe.

See you all next week, where I’ll be bringing you a very special guest speaker! Stay tuned! I cannot wait for you to listen to that one.

Cheers!

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

In this interview, Stefanie Gass shares 10 ways that you can include faith in your leadership.

Stefanie Gass shares amazing insights from the bible regarding leadership and shares super tactical tips and wisdom from her leadership journey.

Who is Stefanie Gass?

Stefanie Gass is a Christian business and podcast coach, boundary boss, and multi-six-figure CEO. She helps women grow their online businesses and make money online, using podcasting. She is the host of a top 20 globally ranked business podcast, Online Business for Christian Women. She believes it's possible to partner with God to create income and impact without sacrificing your family, faith, or buying into the social media hustle. Stefanie Gass is a Christian business and podcast coach, boundary boss, and multi-six-figure CEO. She helps women grow their online businesses and make money online, using podcasting. She is the host of a top 20 globally ranked business podcast, Online Business for Christian Women. She believes it's possible to partner with God to create income and impact without sacrificing your family, faith, or buying into the social media hustle.

Connect with Stefanie Gass

Podcast: Online Business for Christian Women

Website: stefaniegass.com

Your Next Steps

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

Contribute to my new book!

Contribute to my new book 'From Gossip to Growth' and get a free digital copy when it is released. I am conducting research which I will be included in my upcoming book. I'd appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes to fill out this survey. Thank you!

Click here to fill out the survey

Celebrating 10,000 downloads!

Thank you to all the loyal listeners of the show; this month, we are celebrating 10,000 downloads.

In this episode, we discuss the leadership lessons we can learn from Mary and Joseph. 

May you have a wonderful Christmas time with your family this week and may God's grace and love be with you and your family during this time. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS YOU

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

What does goal setting currently look like in your workplace?

Many years ago, I had to sit in a meeting with my boss, listening to basically everything I did wrong and then turn that into goals for the following year.

This is the way that most companies or organisations set goals with their team. Leaders believe it's their job to identify what their team members need to improve on and then get them to set goals on that…

In this episode, I’m going to teach you an alternative method to set goals with your team, goals that they actually want to achieve, with minimal effort on your part!

Let’s do it!

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Free ‘From Gossip to Growth’ 1-hour workshop:

Register here

……………………………………..

Register now (obligation free) to learn more about the upcoming program ‘From Gossip to Growth’ launching in 2024. 

……………………………………..

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

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Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Today's episode is a follow-up from episode 73, where I discussed the 10 red flags indicating you have a toxic workplace culture.

Listen, as I unpack the following roadmap for you to implement to fix a toxic workplace culture:

1. Recognition
2. Discussion
3. Expectations
4. Communication
5. Accountability
6. Role Modelling
7. Promote a positive workplace culture
8. Regular check-ins

I also take a moment to answer a listener question:

"How we do one on one meetings with team members that is holding on the past?"

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

In this episode, I discuss what workplace culture really is, why it is so important and why you should care about it.. a lot!

Workplace culture consists of 2 things:

1. The relationships between people
2. The things that people do

1. The relationships between people

Ask yourself the following reflective questions:

• What are the relationships like at your workplace?
• Do people show respect to each other or do they disrespect each other?
• Do people have healthy debates or constantly engage in unhealthy conflict that has no resolve?
• Do people have fixed or growth mindsets?
• How do people cope with change in the organisation?
• What is communication like in your workplace?

The relationships we have with one another at work affect our workplace culture. If there is a lack of respect for each other, a lack of trust, a lack of compassion and a lack of caring for each other, workplace culture will suffer. However, on the other hand, if people respect each other, trust each other, have compassion towards each other and truly care for each other, workplace culture will thrive.

2. The things that people do

What are the unwritten rules at your workplace or organisation? What are unwritten rules? Unwritten rules in the workplace, often referred to as workplace norms or informal codes of conduct, are a set of expectations and behaviours that employees follow, even though they are not explicitly documented in company policies or formal guidelines. These unwritten rules shape the work culture and influence how employees interact with each other and perform their job duties

So, think about what are the unwritten rules in your workplace. What things do people do, that are potentially unacceptable, but because everyone does it, no one cares and there are no consequences? For example, lunch breaks. Does everyone return to work on time after their lunch break, or do they simply take their time? After all, no one cares and their line managers never speak to them about returning late. This mindset can quickly spill over into other job tasks and therefore productivity and ultimately the company's bottom line will suffer. 

In this episode, I discuss 4 steps that you can follow to commence changing workplace culture in your workplace. 

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program (launching in 2024), where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Sign up here.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

This is part 2 of the series Leadership Lessons from Women in the bible. 

Let’s now discuss a much bigger topic, something that I know you, as the listeners have spoken about often when either joining the FB group or in the group itself during discussions, and that is being a woman in a man’s world!

There was one such woman in the bible, and her name was Deborah. 

There are 4 leadership lessons we can learn from her:

1. Trailblazing Leadership:
   • Deborah was the first female judge in the book of Judges, breaking barriers in a male-dominated role.
   • Her courage and determination led her to step into a position previously held only by men. She defied societal norms and paved the way for other women.
2. Guided by Faith:
   • Deborah had a direct connection with God. She understood that true leadership involves seeking divine guidance.
   • When Israel faced oppression from the Canaanites, Deborah recognised the need for action. She called upon Barak to lead the battle, demonstrating her strategic insight.
3. Fearless Action:
   • Deborah didn’t merely offer advice; she actively participated in the fight for freedom. She accompanied Barak into battle, showing her commitment to the cause.
4. Celebrating Victory:
5. • After the battle, Deborah and Barak celebrated their triumph through song. Her leadership not only secured freedom for Israel but also inspired others.

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

In this episode, I discuss leadership, the joys and the challenges with Lindy Langner. Lindy also provides advice for new leaders. Listen now.

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Free ‘From Gossip to Growth’ 1-hour workshop:

Register here

……………………………………..

Register now (obligation free) to learn more about the upcoming program ‘From Gossip to Growth’ launching in 2024. 

……………………………………..

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

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Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Hey Friend!

"A study by Gallup shows that nearly half of all U.S. employees don’t know what’s expected of them at work.

The survey measures several workplace elements, including employees' level of agreement about clarity of expectations, opportunities for development and their opinions counting at work.

The study’s authors believe that employees are less engaged at work when they do not have a clear understanding of what’s required of them."

This made me wonder, how can we as leaders, truly know whether our expectations were clear or not?

So in today’s episode, I’ll be sharing 5 ways you can tell whether your expectations were clear or not.

Then in the next episode on Wednesday, I’ll be discussing how you can ensure you set clear expectations every single time.

Here are 5 ways to tell whether your expectations were clear or not:

1. Confusion
2. Deadlines
3. Performance
4. Results
5. Engagement

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Hi all

There will be no regular episode this week as I focus on completing my Master of Business Administration. I am in the last stretch of finalising my research paper to hand in on 5 December 2024!

Please pray that God will provide me with the energy I need to complete it, as well as wisdom and knowledge to do so. 

Thank you!

Why don't you come and join the Facebook community and join other women of faith in leadership. 

In this first instalment of our new series, Conversations About Gossip, I speak with Brandon Gano. We cover many topics and questions, which are listed below.

Brandon's bio: Brandon is a visionary entrepreneur who turned frustration into a successful business, which he built, franchised, and later sold for a significant profit. Now, with his business partner and friend Sean Delaney, he's pioneering an unprecedented approach to educate and empower small business owners to achieve business growth like never before.

Topics/Questions discussed in this podcast episode:

• In what ways have you seen can gossip be detrimental to an organisation, a business or to a team
• In what ways have you seen can gossip be detrimental to an organisation, a business or to a team
• What processes are or are not in place to cause gossip
• What was the reason why you didn’t take gossip sooner?
• The process of tackling gossip
• The frustration that gossip causes leaders
• Battling the perceptions of gossip
• The importance of leadership

Podcast: Harmonious at Lunch

• On Apple
• On Spotify

Website

Free Assessment to get Clarity into your business and Confidence in what you need to do next to grow.

CLICK HERE to access the website

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

You’ve tried to implement new strategies, new techniques, and things you’ve learnt from professional development, or even from this podcast… but, you’re still stuck. You can’t seem to create the change that is required...

It could potentially be your organisation's process that is letting you down.

It can be really frustrating if you’re trying your very best to implement change, but there are no back-end processes, policies, procedures or a code of conduct to back you up.

There’s no clear-cut performance management process and no annual reviews.

These are all things that can let you down when trying to implement change.

Listen as I discuss 7 steps you can follow to implement change in your organisation and influence those above you who make the decisions. 

Links mentioned in the podcast episode:

1. Become a beta tester for the new From Gossip to Growth online course: email me 'Beta Tester' in the subject line at support@rikawhelan.com and I'll send you more information.

2. Join the waitlist for the From Gossip to Growth Program HERE. 

……………………………………..

Check out the upcoming training ‘From Gossip to Growth’. Download the brochure HERE.

……………………………………..

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

……………………………………..

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

You are in for a leadership treat!

With no previous leadership experience or formal training, God called Lisa. God often calls the unqualified and inexperienced, so listen in!

Lisa Steven began working with teen moms in 1997 through Teen MOPS and in 2003, she co-founded Hope House Colorado and has served as the founder and executive director ever since. Lisa is also a co-founder of the Colorado Teen Parent Collaborative. A former teen mom, Lisa is committed to empowering teen moms in her community and across the world.

Listen as we discuss Lisa's journey and the leadership lessons she learnt as a teen mom, through mentorship and on the job training!

Connect with Lisa

• Hope House Colorado: https://hopehousecolorado.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-steven-54b48a10/

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Everyone has doubted themselves at some point in time.

The most infamous doubter of all time (in the bible) was Thomas - You can read this section in John 20:24-29.

Peter climbed out of the boat and walked on the water until reality set in, and he started to doubt. You can read this in Matthew 14:29-31.

We want to believe so badly that we can be good leaders, and that we can do the right thing, which includes dealing with difficult people, speaking up in certain circumstances, and handling those battles we often just avoid because we’d rather just confrontations altogether.

But as soon as a situation arises, we doubt ourselves, our abilities, our knowledge, our experience and we believe we’re just not good enough, or I can’t do this!

Sometimes we forget just how unqualified ALL the disciples were. But Jesus chose them anyway, because HE knew, he knew their potential, he knew that he wanted imperfect people to lead. He is NOT looking for you to be perfect! Not by any means!

All he wants is for you to trust him, have confidence that HE put you in that position, have confidence every day that He loves you and all that He wants is just for you to be an instrument.

So, when self-doubt kicks in, why not memorise a verse that will give you courage, that will remind you that God is with you right now and that YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS because He is with you!

Matthew 19:26 reads: "Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Here are 5 bible verses that will help and encourage you to overcome your self-doubt with the knowledge that God knew that you were going to doubt one day, he already knew and therefore he already made provision, and He already overcame it for YOU!

1. Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

2. Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

3. Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

4. Isaiah 41:13

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you."

5. Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

BONUS: Philippians 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

I pray that this encourages you today!

Know that HE is Lord and that HE’s got you!

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Long gone are the days when there are only men in authority positions. Even in the bible, God used women to lead others, teach others and care for others.

In this 3-part series, I’ll discuss leadership lessons from 3 amazing women in the bible. 

One of my absolute favourite stories in the bible is the story of Ruth and Boaz. I’ve always loved it because it’s just a nice, beautiful love story. You can go read it in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament.

Now, although Ruth wasn’t a "leader", there is one valuable leadership lesson we can learn from her… she didn’t give up on her people. People in this context being her mother-in-law.

Let’s recap the story briefly: Naomi has two sons, and both of them married. One was married to Orpah and the other to Ruth.

Naomi’s husband and two sons died, and her two daughters-in-laws were with her. Naomi wanted to return to her homeland with her two daughters-in-laws but on the way, she said to them to return to their mother’s house so that they may remarry.

Orpah departed but Ruth decided to stay. She was determined to remain by Naomi’s side.

Human Nature

So often, as human beings, we tend to give up on people, especially if they hurt us or break up the friendship for whatever reason. It’s easy for us to give up on a friendship or loved one. I’ve been there, unfortunately.

What should we do as leaders?

However, as leaders, we need to rise above our human nature to give up on people. Sometimes people just need us to believe in them, have faith in them, encourage them and give them a little nudge (or push!). So never give up on your team, get to know them on a personal level (without crossing the boundaries), so that you know when they just need that extra bit of belief in you that they can do it!

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

The world can make us feel like failures… people can make us feel like failures, but we are capable of anything in Christ!

In this 4-part series, I’ll discuss with you how you can gain confidence in your abilities and stop feeling like a failure, stop feeling like you’re not good enough and start believing that through Christ, you can do anything you set your mind to.

We all have a story of how we came to God, whether it was a long time ago or recent. But just like any relationship, you can’t grow in that relationship if:

• It’s only one-sided
• You don’t spend time together
• You don’t listen to one another
• You fight all the time

So too, in our relationship with God, we can’t grow, if we don’t treat the relationship, like a relationship.

1. Spend time in the word with God. If you don’t know where to start, choose a bible reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App. Or Get a study bible that will take you through the passages and explain them to you.
2. Spend time talking to God - praying, talking to Him and listening to sermons are some ways in which you can spend time with Him
3. Fellowship - growing with others by your side is a really amazing way to grow spiritually and you experience and feel different things in your relationship with God, when you are with others.
4. Standing up for your faith - a tough one, but the more you stand up for your faith, the more confident you grow as well. 
5. Sharing/living your faith - with your children, with others around you and sharing when people ask, invite people to church with you, give people bibles
6. Praise and worship - there is something about praise and worship that just connects my soul directly with the Lord. Taking the time to praise him and worship him and thanking him for what he has done, for who He is and for what is to come, grows you spiritually with the Lord.

Stay tuned, in the next couple of episodes, I’ll be chatting with you about:

• Episode 62: Personal growth
• Episode 63: Professional development 
• Episode 64: Community Support

and how you can use these to gain confidence in your own abilities. 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Today, I have with me a very special guest, Anita Anello. Anita has spent many years in the corporate world and reached the top of the ladder and asked herself, "Is this it?". 

Anita had more in mind for her life and with the support of her husband, they prepared for her to leave her corporate job and move into entrepreneurship. 

Anita shares valuable insights on dealing with toxic workplace culture, advice from previous leaders and so much more!

You definitely want to grab your favourite beverage, a notebook and pen and sit back and listen. 

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Be a guest on the show - Email support@rikawhelan.com
• The Gap and the Gain Book - The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success : Sullivan, Dan: Amazon.com.au: Books

Connect with Anita:

• https://www.therippleaffect.net/
• Anita Anello | LinkedIn

Free Resources:

Free Resources (therippleaffect.net)

Connect with Rika

• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn

Hi amazing ladies of God!

In this episode I share a bit of my personal struggle with boundaries and why I have felt it important to take a short break from the podcast. 

However... I'll be re-running 3 of your favourite episodes over the next 3 weeks, while I take a break (it's school holidays here and my hubby will have time off as well). 

In the meantime, I'd absolutely love to stay connected with you. There are 2 options:

1. The Facebook Community - Click here to join

2. The brand-new WhatsApp Community - Click here to join

Alternatively fill out this survey and let me know where you'd prefer to hang out together - Click here to fill out the survey

• RESPECT Framework
• Workplace Gossip Risk Assessment
• Workplace Culture Survey - For your team 
• The Tuckman Model - 5 stages every team will navigate, over and over again
• Does your team have a gossip problem? Take the quiz and find out!

High-Performance Teams were quite the buzzword at some point in time. But what does it "actually" mean, and how can you ensure that your team is a high-performance team?

In this 2-part series, I’ll be sharing with you how you can build a high-performance team and then, in part 2, how you can maintain that high-performance team.

Listen to the episode as I run you through these 5 ways that you can build a high-performance team:

1. Set clear goals and objectives
2. Effective Communication
3. Strong Leadership
4. Shared Values and Culture
5. Trust and Respect

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Hi, beautiful women of faith!

In this podcast series, I am giving you exclusive access to module 2 of my upcoming online course "From Conflict to Collaboration". Enjoy.

Please see all episodes in this series:

• Episode 14 - Part #1: 3 reasons why conflict occurs in the workplace
• Episode 15 - Part #2: Can workplace conflict be healthy?
• Episode 16 - Part #3: The Characteristics of unhealthy conflict
• Episode 17 - Part #4: Not dealing with conflict? Here are the implications

The other modules in the online course include:

• Communication Skills
• Conflict Resolution 101
• Conflict Prevention and Management
• Emotional Intelligence

Join our mailing list today and ensure you are the first to know when this online course releases!

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Listener question: Help! My Boss Wants Me to Agree with his/her Lies in Front of Others, what should I do?

What would you do if you were constantly placed in a difficult situation by your boos/line manager where you are expected to agree with their lies in front of others?

Would you agree with it, so that you can save your job, save face or avoid bullying or even worse, being fired?

Or would you stand up against it and say something?

What would you do?

In this episode, I'm going to look at:

1. lying from a biblical perspective and how God feels about lying and yourself agreeing with people who lie. 

2. practical tips and strategies that you can implement to NOT agree with the lies. 

Proverbs 12:17 - An honest witness tells the truth, a false witness tells lies.

Exodus 20:16 - You must not testify falsely against your neighbour.

Psalm 24:4-5 - Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God, their saviour.

Proverbs 2:7 - He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. This section here is titled: “The benefits of wisdom”. Now, remember, Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. God told him that he could ask for anything, and he asked for wisdom, and that’s what God gave him.

Proverbs 6:16-19 - There are six things the LORD hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

Proverbs 12:22-24 - The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

Proverbs 10:9 - People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall

Psalm 25:19-21 - See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me! Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you!

Lying

Proverbs 26:28 - A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.

Proverbs 17:22 - The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.

Proverbs 21:6 - Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.

Proverbs 25:18 - Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

Exodus 23:1 - You must not pass along false rumours. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand.

Matthew 15:19 - For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

Bearing false witness

Proverbs 14:5 - An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.

Proverbs 14:25 - A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.

Proverbs 19:5 - A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.

Proverbs 21:28 - A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Buckle your seatbelts, this episode is on fire! Today I sat down with Deb Field and discussed workplace culture and leadership. 

Who is Deb Field?

Deb is a seasoned professional who has been creating, shaping, and transforming businesses for decades.

She is a life coach and business consultant with a passion for sustainable health – in life, relationships, and business.  

Deb has worked for many large corporations, entrepreneurs, and medium-scale manufacturing organisations.

She knows the power of a positive culture and actively works ‘with’ people to create incredible results.

Connect with Deb:

• Via email: deb@quickwinsforbusiness.com
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debfieldonline/

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Attend a FREE introductory training on taking your team 'From Gossip to Growth'

Click Here

……………………………………..

Register now (obligation free) to learn more about the upcoming program ‘From Gossip to Growth’ launching in 2024. 

……………………………………..

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch 'From Gossip to Growth'

Click Here

……………………………………..

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Hi, beautiful women of faith!

In this podcast series, I am giving you exclusive access to module 2 of my upcoming online course "From Conflict to Collaboration". Enjoy.

Please see all episodes in this series:

• Episode 14 - Part #1: 3 reasons why conflict occurs in the workplace
• Episode 15 - Part #2: Can workplace conflict be healthy?
• Episode 16 - Part #3: The Characteristics of unhealthy conflict
• Episode 17 - Part #4: Not dealing with conflict? Here are the implications

The other modules in the online course include:

• Communication Skills
• Conflict Resolution 101
• Conflict Prevention and Management
• Emotional Intelligence

Join our mailing list today and ensure you are the first to know when this online course releases!

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Have you ever considered engaging a mentor or coach to support you in your leadership role?

Perhaps your line manager is your mentor or someone else at work?

In a recent article, Forbes magazine said, “Having a mentor is more than just setting and achieving goals; it's about having someone in your corner who can provide valuable feedback, encouragement and support to help you grow both professionally and personally.”

So, in this episode, I’d like to discuss the topic of engaging a faith-aligned mentor.

The bible shows us that mentorship is not a new concept. We can see that there were many mentor/mentee relationships in the bible:

• Jethro mentored Moses. Moses mentored Joshua and the elders of Israel. And Joshua mentored the other remaining leaders of his army.
• Eli mentored Samuel. Samuel mentored Saul and David. Ahithophel and Nathan the prophet also mentored David. David became Israel's greatest king. David mentored his army commanders and government officials to establish the united nation of Israel. David also mentored Solomon. Solomon mentored the Queen of Sheba, who returned to her people with his wisdom in the form of Proverbs that applied God's laws.
• Elijah mentored Elisha. Elisha mentored king Jehoash and others.
• Daniel mentored Nebuchadnezzar, who humbled himself before God.
• Mordecai mentored Esther. Esther mentored King Artaxerxes, which led to the liberation of God's people.
• Priscilla and Aquila mentored Apollos, and this resulted in a much-improved ministry for Apollos.
• And finally, Jesus mentored the twelve apostles who established the Christian church. The apostles mentored hundreds of other leaders, including Paul. Paul mentored Titus, Timothy, and many others." (Extract from Lifeway)

Enjoy the episode as I discuss ways of engaging a faith-aligned mentor and ensuring it's the right person to mentor you. 

NEXT STEPS:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join the Facebook Community

Welcome to the Women of Faith in Leadership Podcast.

In this very first episode of the podcast, I share my journey, my testimony and why I started this podcast.

I was born and raised in South Africa and grew up in the church, surrounded by friends, family and colleagues (eventually) that were all Christian. I also met my husband in the church.

My husband, myself and our 2.5-year-old daughter immigrated to Australia in 2014 and it was only really then, that I understood the true meaning of being a Christian. I was surrounded by non-believers and I was 1 of only 2 people at my new workplace in Australia. My faith and relationship with the Lord grew immensely during a very tough time. Some people purposefully went out of their way to be mean, blaspheme, and use the Lord's name in vain in front of me. There were also a lot of worldly discussions about what they did on the weekend and I just didn't get involved in any of those conversations. Gossip was also rampant in that workplace and to be honest, it was a toxic environment. I was culture-shocked for a while, wondering if we had made the right decision to move from South Africa to Australia. It was a tough time and I had to stand firm in my beliefs and in my faith. The Lord has blessed me truly for my faithfulness in Him and my trust in Him. 

Skip a couple of years and a few other work environments, I had the wonderful opportunity to lead a team. I knew this was my time to decide what workplace culture I wanted, not only for me but for my team. I wanted my team to thrive at work, to enjoy coming to work and for that to happen, there could be no gossip, no negativity, no fixed mindsets. So I had to go to work. That time was tough as well because I had to weed out the people who refused to change. I definitely ruffled some feathers and a lot of people were upset with me. However, I also had great supporters and people who were in my corner wanting the same thing as me. But overall, I had God in my corner.

I prayed a lot during that time and God showed me the way. He gave me the necessary tools and steps I needed to take to get rid of gossip... for good! in my upcoming From Gossip to Growth program (launching in 2024), you will be able to learn these steps and with my support and God behind you, you'll be able to get rid of gossip in your workplace as well. If you'd like to put your name down on the waiting list for the program, please fill out this form: No-More-Gossip Program waiting list.

I became really passionate during this time about workplace culture and started understanding why it was crucial that I maintained a positive and constructive workplace culture. COVID hit and because we were all like a work family, we were able to support each other immensely.

I believe it is important that you start thinking of your team as your work family. Depending on your working hours, you spend more time at work than what you do at home with your own family. Therefore it is crucial that we realise that the environment at work is in fact important because you spend a lot of time there.

I also share how the Lord called me into the women's ministry and how I always thought He meant in a church. But this podcast is what He meant. When I spent time with Him and in His word, He showed me that this podcast would be the ministry He called me into. I am here to serve you through Him, through His glory. 

So, if you have been engulfed in a toxic workplace environment with an organisational / workplace culture that isn't ideal, then you are in the right place!

Stay tuned, because, in the next episode, I will be discussing 'What is workplace culture and why you should care about it'.

Directly after that, I will be delving into a Gossip series where I will be discussing what gossip is, how it differs from everyday office chatter, what the bible says about gossip, what are the consequences of gossip and why we can't afford to just ignore it.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Sign up for my upcoming No-More-Gossip Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide of getting rid of workplace gossip… for good, in your workplace. Sign up here.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about Faith-based decision-making. What can you do to help you make better decisions and ensure they are aligned with what God wants for you and your team?

When it comes to decision-making, we want to know that we are doing the right thing. Sometimes we have to make an on-the-spot decision and then it’s like we’re confused and don’t know what to do.

1. I’d like to share something that has really helped and supported me during my leadership journey. And it’s prayer!

Now, you might say I already pray but I’m not seeing/getting a breakthrough when it comes to faith-based decision-making.

When I’m praying I am specifically asking God for Wisdom, knowledge, insight and discernment in that particular situation or meeting. I pray this before every meeting, before every coaching session and even just before my day starts.

2. In addition to praying, God gave us a conscience and when you have received the Holy Spirit, you also have an additional way to tell whether you are making the right decision or not.

How does this work?

Well, I remember when I was working at the children’s church, the children’s pastor explained it like this: “When we are making the right decision, we feel a sense of supreme peace within us, however, when we are making the wrong decisions, we feel a storm inside our bodies, an uncomfortableness that can’t be explained.

This is in essence the Holy Spirit trying to guide you.

If you are feeling that storm inside you, I would recommend that you take some time and pray about it. Ask God to show you what it is about the decision that is not right.

3. You can also ask the council of others, and others to pray with you as well about your decision. It is always good to gain perspective from others.

4. I also like to sleep on a decision, sometimes just giving it time, is the best way. Who knows, tomorrow morning you might feel different about it.

5. If it’s a decision that you have to make on the spot, then just trust yourself, trust the knowledge and skills that you have already gained and

Say a micro prayer in your head “God help me with this decision”. And then make the decision. But never go against your values, always stick to your values as a Christian.

What if you made the wrong decision?

Then reflect on how you felt when you made the decision, did you have peace or storm?

We are always going to make mistakes and that unfortunately is just part of being a human being. So if you made the wrong choice, then just dust yourself off, and try again, come back and try again. 

But most importantly, don’t beat yourself up!

To recap up:

1. Pray
2. Listen to what the God/Holy Spirit is trying to say
3. Ask others for council
4. Sleep on it
5. With on-the-spot decision, trust your knowledge and Skills and say a micro prayer
6. Reflect

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Listen in as I share strategies for having successful 1:1 conversations/meetings with your team and why they are important.

Do you have to have tough conversations?

Yes, you absolutely do. As a leader, this is non-negotiable. 

Why should you have them?

• Accountability,
• Connection,
• Support,
• Performance management
• Annual Performance Reviews

When should you have them?

As soon as possible after an incident or something happened. Once every 3-6 months, annual reviews once a year.

Otherwise, after onboarding:

• 3, 6 weeks
• 3, 6 months

For Performance Management related information, listen to episode 36!

How to prepare

Remember, when we're in a stressful situation, we either fight, flight or freeze. So, preparation is key!

What if things go pear-shaped?

Stop the meeting. Say I can see you are getting frustrated, I can see that we won’t agree today, before someone gets upset, let’s reconvene in 24 hours.

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

This is part 2 of our series: Gaining confidence in your own abilities. 

Today, we are discussing personal development. 

Personal development will look different for each and every one of us out there. Because we're all unique and different. 

In this episode, I discuss with you the steps you need to follow to gain confidence in your own abilities through personal development.

1. Reflection - reflect on why you have a lack of confidence in a certain area. If it's related to an historic event for example where someone said something about you, then ask yourself, is it true? If it's true, then do you need to do something about it to change that, like further study, speak to someone or practice those skills. If it's not true, then you need to let it go!

2. Learning - What learning do you have to do or engage in to learn more so that you can gain confidence is the thing that's holding you back?

3. Practice - Practice your new skill. You won't gain confidence by only participating in learning or listening to this podcast for example, you need to go and do the thing.

4. Feedback - Gain feedback from others so that you can improve where you still need to. 

5. Get out of your comfort zone!

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Win 1 of 5 Confidence Coaching Sessions to celebrate the podcast's 100th episode! If you are ready to overcome self-doubt and master the art of leading with confidence, then submit your application ASAP to win 1 of these 5 sessions! >APPLY HERE<

Hurry, applications close 23 February 2025! Winners will be announced on 24 February 2025 when the 100th episode airs!!

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

It’s the feeling that you don’t belong, that you’re not really qualified, and that at any moment, others will realize you’re a fraud—even though you do have the skills and experience.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Leader

1. Stop Trusting Your Feelings—Start Trusting God’s Truth

• Feelings of self-doubt don’t mean you aren’t capable.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
• Action Step: Write down 3 biblical truths about who you are in Christ and declare them over yourself daily.

2. Reframe Your Thinking: You’re Not an Imposter—You’re a Steward

• You’re not “faking it”—you’re faithfully stewarding the leadership role God has given you.
• Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
• Action Step: Shift your focus from proving yourself to serving well.

3. Take Bold Action Before You Feel Ready

• Confidence comes from doing—not waiting until you feel 100% capable.
• Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
• Action Step: Identify one leadership action you’ve been avoiding due to self-doubt and commit to doing it this week.

Final Thought: "If you’re waiting to feel confident before stepping into your leadership role, you’ll be waiting forever. Confidence comes from trusting that God has called you, equipped you, and is walking with you.

Lead boldly—not because you’re perfect, but because He is.

Win 1 of 5 Confidence Coaching Sessions to celebrate the podcast's 100th episode! If you are ready to overcome self-doubt and master the art of leading with confidence, then submit your application ASAP to win 1 of these 5 sessions!>APPLY HERE<

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

It’s one of the most exhilarating feelings to get your first leadership role. But at the same time, it’s absolutely petrifying!

What scared me was, what if they don’t like me? What if I don’t get on well with them? What if they reject me? 

Over the years, I've learnt a couple of valuable things about being a new leader that I'd like to share with you today. Make sure you listen to the full episode to learn more about each item on the list:

1. Start with self-reflection
2. Connect with your team before you do anything
3. Don’t make changes straight away
4. Filling in the hypothetical “shoes” of the other leader
5. Support the team to do their job
6. Vision - Bring and drive the vision
7. Lead yourself well
8. Get a mentor
9. Own your mistakes
10. Confidentiality

Have a listener question?

Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

**Podcast Announcement**

From this week 30 October 2023, I will only be uploading 2 episodes per week. This is due to prioritising building my business The Workplace Culture Hub. The Lord has provided me with an amazing opportunity to participate in business coaching, to grow my business, but I need to commit some time to this. I also won't give up my time with my family (been there, done that!). I do however need to continue with my mission and my calling and that is the podcast. Thank you for listening! I appreciate YOU!

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**Competition winner announcement**

Listen to the podcast to find out who won the competition.

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Today's episode

Building relationships are important, we spend a lot of time with people at work.

I recently read an article that said ‘Stop referring to people at work as your family, they are not!

My initial thought was, oh no, I told the people on my podcast to do exactly that!

However, I realised when I read the article that the person got hurt at work, was treated unfairly and is feeling hurt over that.

The reality is that yes, they are not your blood family, but you do spend a significant amount of time with them and thinking of them as family, can sometimes just help you navigate those tough workplace relationships and think differently about these people you are working with.

In essence, how can you just work with someone and not create a relationship, even just a professional one? We’re not robots, we have feelings, they have feelings, and we’re all human.

We CAN and should have compassion for one another.

Now let’s look at the INSPIRE framework. You can take notes or simply download the pdf I created for you.

• I - Integrity in Actions and Decision-making
• N - Nurturing Communication and Collaboration
• S - Supporting a Positive and Inclusive Team Culture
• P - Promoting Team Development and Growth
• I - Inspiring Achievements and Motivation
• R - Resolving Conflict and Building Resilience
• E - Empowering and Engaging Team Members

FREEBIE

Access the PDF here, share this with your team, and your leadership team and let them know, you are committed. You want to INSPIRE them.

I hope this will help you to build those relationships and also for your team to build relationships with each other.

You women of faith in leadership, you are amazing, I love you and God bless.

• Relationship Building Online Course
• From Conflict to Collaboration Online Course

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

Vote for podcast

Real quick, please vote for my podcast in the upcoming Australian Podcast Awards. Click this link or simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com where you’ll find the link. Thank you for your votes.

**Join my book launch team!**

I am launching my book at the end of the year and I am looking for as many people as possible to join my launch team. In exchange, I will send you a free copy of my ebook.

All that you will need to do on launch day, is to post a 5-star review on Amazon and share the launch posts (from my socials) to your socials. That's it! Included in the ebook, is also a free training that you can access exclusively for people who buy the book!

CLICK HERE to join my launch team. I will send you all the relevant information via email. 

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Creating a feedback culture is important because we want to create teams that fail forward, learn from their mistakes and then improve their performance due to feedback. 

If your team gets defensive when you provide feedback, then you know you have a feedback-problem. Let's get to work!

Here are 5 ways that you can create a feedback culture (listen to the episode for full details):

1. Foster Open Communication

2. Lead by Example

3. Provide Timely Feedback

4. Make it Constructive and Specific

5. Implement Feedback Tools

Join the launch team for my upcoming book launch

Click Here

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

When I stepped into one of the biggest leadership roles I’d ever held, I wanted to be assertive.

I wanted to walk into a room, be confident (not timid because that’s how I felt) and have everybody listen to me.

That’s not what being assertive means at all… but honestly, I didn’t quite know what it meant to be assertive.

Assertiveness can often be confused with aggressiveness.

People who are assertive are often labelled as being too aggressive with their approach.

So, hence the question… should female Christian leaders be assertive?

Let’s get that question answered!

Let’s have a look first at what it actually means to be assertive…

According to Risely.me, assertiveness refers to the ability to express one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, direct, and respectful manner while also considering the rights and opinions of others.

It is a communication and behavioural style that promotes open and honest expression, confidence, and self-assuredness without infringing upon the rights and boundaries of others.

Now, assertiveness is often confused with aggressiveness as I mentioned before.

And aggressiveness refers to the behaviour or communication style that is characterised by forcefulness, hostility, and the disregard for the rights and feelings of others.

Aggressiveness involves a proactive approach to achieving one’s own goals or asserting one’s dominance, often at the expense of others. It can manifest in the form of verbal, physical or passive-aggressive actions.

Consider the definition of assertiveness, where you express your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, direct, and respectful manner while also considering the rights and opinions of others.

So in my humble opinion, yes, female Christian leaders can and should be assertive.

You might wonder how can I learn to express my thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, direct, and respectful manner while also considering the rights and opinions of others.

1. Role-playing - seems silly, but by practising with someone else, you make it fun and less intimidating
2. Workshops and training - there are some workshops and that you can attend on this very topic, there is also usually a fair bit of role-playing involved to practice what you learn
3. Putting your skills into practice! Practice makes perfect. Very few people just learn something and then get it right the first time, so practice practice, practice.

In an upcoming episode, I’ll be talking to you about how you can gain self-confidence in your abilities. I believe this to be a good follow on, because self-confidence is extremely important. If you don’t believe in yourself, other people might also not. Stay tuned for the next episode. 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

It's a very exciting day as I launch my new online course From Conflict to Collaboration.

Over the last 4 episodes, I gave you exclusive access to module 2 of this course. You can now access the full course.

Enrol here

As part of this online course, you will have access to:

• Communication Skills where I will introduce you to my BANG framework
• Conflict Resolution Skills 101 where I will run you through tips and strategies for resolving conflict and getting your team to move from conflict to collaboration. 
• A section on Emotional Intelligence and why it is so important

I will also include the following resources:

• A workbook
• Communication Skills Worksheet
• Conflict Resolution Skills Questionnaire
• Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire
• BONUS: Mediation Tips

You will also gain access to my Exclusive Facebook Group, which is only for students of the Workplace Culture Hub (my business). This is different from the free Facebook Community. 

You have 2 payment options available. Please head to https://academy.workplaceculturehub.com/conflict-resolution to find out more.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

What does accountability look like in your workplace?

Even if you trust your team and trust them to work autonomously, there should be some form of check-in, provide feedback or update chat/meeting so that your team know, you care.

Accountability does not mean micro-managing your team, constantly checking up on them or even having them constantly keep you updated or give you feedback.

1. Integrity Integrity is the foundation of good leadership. Integrity is a cornerstone of effective leadership because it builds trust, respect and confidence among employees. YOU are committed to doing the right thing, even when it's not easy or popular. As leaders, we’re constantly under the microscope, whether that is a. Because our team looks up to us and want to follow our lead, they trust us and want to learn from us or b. There is a toxic workplace culture and you are being chastised by your team for every possible little mistake that you make, they love pointing it out every time you try and speak to them about their performance, they simply throw your performance back in your face Integrity is doing the right thing, even if somebody isn’t looking

2. Clear expectations Listen to a more details version of this discussion in episode 8 & 9 where I discussed setting clear expectations with your team.

The vision that I have about setting clear expectations is similar to the shark net and the flags that have been put in place to keep swimmers safe at the beach. Should they choose to go out of bounds, they will be in danger.

Does your team know the consequences if they decide to go out of bounds at work? What will the domino effect be for the organisation, the environment and even their job prospects?

3. Professional goals Does every person in your organisation have a goal that they are currently working towards achieving? A goal that has nothing to do with your projects, strategic plans, long-term goals etc.

But rather a goal that develops them, personally, and encourages them to be a better version of themselves and do their job role even better?

4. Relationship

To cultivate a culture of accountability, relationships and trust will be key. How do we build relationships with our team and start trusting them to do their jobs.

How do we move from micromanaging them to giving them autonomy and trusting them?

Build 1:1 relationships with each team member, if you have a very large team, and you don’t have the time to meet with each of them, just remember that they want to be seen and heard by you, they want to know that you know that they exist.

Find ways to connect with them, whether that be in department meetings, greeting them by their first name (which creates a sense of belonging because your first name is uniquely you, it is significant to you and if someone cares enough to know your name, it means something)

5. Follow-through

What does follow-through look like? How will you physically (as per a policy/procedure) keep your team accountable if they don’t come up the mass if they fail to produce?

There are practical steps you need to take for follow-through and if you are proactive in prepping for this, you are going to be reactive and act in the wrong way.

Know what that will look like, not only from a black-and-white legal document point of view but from a practical way. Visualise yourself talking to someone who is under-performing. Prepare what you will say if they get defensive, or overly emotional, or angry.

You must be prepared at all costs.

This counts for the positive as well. How will you follow through if they do hit their targets, achieve a goal etc. What will that celebration look like?

Your team will soon realise that they are in charge of their results, and no matter which way it goes, you will be there to follow through.

6. Support

Let your team know what support is available for them, but also, identify who in your team needs what type of specific support and reach out to each of your team members individually to ask if they need anything. In a group, they’ll just smile and wave, but they’re more likely to open up if you have them 1:1

Stay tuned for the next episode coming to you on Wednesday.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

This is our listener's 3rd favourite episode of all time! Enjoy!

Welcome to the first episode of the new Gossip Series. In this first episode, I'll be answering the question... Is it really gossip?

I've often been asked what is the difference between Office Chatter and Gossip. 

Let's define each of the terms:

Office Chatter: Office chatter refers to casual and often light conversations that take place in the workplace. It includes discussions about work-related matters, general news, and even personal topics that aren't meant to be harmful or damaging. Office chatter can help build camaraderie, create a sense of belonging, and foster a positive work environment. It's typically harmless and contributes to a healthy workplace culture.

Gossip: Gossip, on the other hand, involves discussing personal or private matters about others, often without their knowledge or consent, and frequently with a negative or judgmental tone. Gossip can be damaging as it spreads unverified information, harms relationships, erodes trust and creates a toxic work environment. It often focuses on personal aspects of someone's life that have no bearing on their work performance or job responsibilities.

Distinguishing Factors between Office Chatter and Gossip:

1. Intent: Office chatter aims to connect, share experiences, and create a friendly atmosphere. Gossip, however, often involves spreading information with the intention of causing harm, stirring drama, or undermining someone's reputation.

2. Content: Office chatter encompasses a wide range of topics, including work-related matters, shared experiences, hobbies, and interests. Gossip tends to focus on personal details, rumours, judgments, and negative assessments of individuals.

3. Effect: Office chatter contributes positively to workplace culture by building relationships and fostering a sense of community. Gossip has a negative impact, eroding trust, creating tension, and damaging morale.

4. Consequences: Office chatter can strengthen bonds and improve team dynamics. Gossip can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a decline in productivity.

Listen as I also share what you can start doing immediately, regarding gossip in your workplace. 

Next steps:

1. Book a free 15-minute initial consultation with me: https://tidycal.com/rikawhelan/initialconsultation 

2. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

3. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, email me at support@rikawhelan.com

4. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Gossip Series #5

Please listen to Episode #1-4 if you haven't yet. 

I left the best for last and I am super pumped to chat with you today about navigating gossip as a female Christian leader.

Get your notebook and pen handy, because this is going to be a super tactical episode.

Let’s do it!

So by now you know all the negatives and you know that I feel super passionate about you doing something about those gossip girls, those gossip queens, the grapevine guardians.

But what do you do about it?

Are you ready, here we go.

1. Pray

Pray every single day that God will guide you, and give you wisdom and knowledge in every situation.

Put on the armour of God:

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

2. Do self-reflection

Ask yourself these questions and answer honestly.

• • Do I gossip?
  • Do I inadvertently encourage gossip?
  • Do I talk the talk, but not walk the walk?
  • Do I demand my team to respect each other, but I yell, embarrass, belittle, slander or gossip about my team?

You don’t have to share this with anyone. But all I’m asking is for you to be honest with yourself, right here right now and in this moment.

When you join my 6-month group coaching program, we do this together, 1:1.

I am going to help you dive deep into you and your leadership style. The aim is not to make you feel inadequate, target your inadequacies

No, the aim of this is to understand who you are and why you are the way you are because this greatly impacts your leadership style.

3. Assess the current situation at work

• • Complete the free risk assessment on gossip in your workplace. You can gain access to this by simply joining the free Facebook community.
  • Identify the gaps and come up with an action plan
  • This may include creating clearer boundaries surrounding no-gossip in your workplace, SOPs regarding addressing workplace culture issues etc.
  • Involve your leadership team and train them to understand the importance of getting rid of gossip and why.

Now, when you join my 6-month group coaching program, we delve very deep into this process and I work through the risk assessment with you, I support you in identifying the gaps, we put the action plan together, we create guidelines, policies, procedures, pledges, SOP’s, everything you will and might need, we’ll be doing it together and I’ll be holding your hand every step of the way.

4. Speak to your whole team about the new expectations moving forward

Gather your team and let them know that you are committed to providing them with an environment that is positive, encourages growth mindsets and is a safe space for them to be in. Let them know that gossip will no longer be tolerated and that you are making a commitment and would like them to make a commitment as well, to strive for a gossip-free environment.

When you join my program, I will provide you with a script and we’ll run through this together, I will coach you through the whole process and we’ll even do a couple of practice runs when your team don’t agree or doesn’t want to participate or when they are being difficult. What do you do? We’ll be doing some intensive training on this so you are super prepared and know exactly what to do and say.

5. Start spotting the gossipers

Start documenting when and where people are gossiping, and who are they gossiping about.

I would recommend keeping a OneNote document with each of your team members having their own tab and then just start keeping notes on each of them. This will greatly help you down the line when you have to have more serious conversations with them or even issue warnings etc.

If you are not keeping individual notes on your team yet, I would highly recommend you start.

This in particular felt icky to me as a leader because the bible says in 1 Corinthians 13 1:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

And in Jeremiah 31:34

“Implicitly, God does not keep a record of sins. As he promises through Jeremiah, concerning "the least to the greatest": "And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins"

However, this is different because if you want to set the bar high, if you want to set the standard, you need to take the necessary actions, which include keeping people accountable for their actions.

6. Support your team

Support the staff who are committed to change and train and support new staff coming into your work environment. Make sure that they all receive training, especially the new staff so they know the expectations on them with regards to gossip (basically that it’s a gossip-free zone).

7. Provide an ongoing positive work environment

For each team that will look different. Ask your team what they want this positive work environment to look like. Does that include team building, effective communication training, Friendly Fridays, online staff meetings, get-togethers etc. The Sky’s the limit.

How does this sound to you? Doable? I hope so!

I’d like to personally invite you into the first round of the 6-month group coaching program where you will take some serious action to move your workplace/department or organisation from toxic to thriving.

Do you want a proven system that has helped countless other leaders take their organisation to the next level?

By getting rid of gossip, you can provide a safe and harmonious workplace environment for your entire team! How does that sound?

Awesome right?

But, you’ve got deadlines, you’ve got reports, you have training to complete, new employees, interviews, and then on top of that you might have your own family needing you at home, and you just don’t know when you’ll find the time to figure it all out because you do not have the time to sit still and to think about.

You’re probably listening to this podcast in your car or whilst you doing something else because you do not have the time to simply just sit and listen, let alone complete an audit of the current situation and come up with an action plan.

That’s where the program comes in. Do you have 1 hour a week, that you can commit? Do you have 1 hour that you can utilise to go through the program and within 6 months, get rid of gossip… for good!

For a moment, visualise what a work environment without gossip looks like, feels like and sounds like.

You can hear your team chatting about sports, the new local cafe that’s opened, and their favourite coffee spots along the beach. There’s not a bad or negative vibe or word in sight.

That’s what I want for you. Nights where you can sleep not worrying about the workplace culture issues at work.

Peace at home because you’re not taking your frustration with your team, out on your partner, your husband, your wife or even your kids. Because let’s be honest, they often get the short end of the stick.

You gain back the time you’ve spent on mediating conflict, claims of bullying, claims of discrimination and the list goes on.

This is all possible.

Please go to womenoffaithinleadership.com and fill out the application form to join the program.

I will be in contact with you shortly after.

I look forward to seeing you next week, with a brand-new episode.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

What should or could you do, when one of your employees is not actually the problem at work, but rather a fellow leader or even your line manager or 2-up?

In this episode, I'll discuss with you my first-hand experience of dealing with a situation like this and suggest some ways that you can go about solving this problem. 

Being in a leadership role can be tough. We have multiple different challenges every single day and problems that we have to solve. We're also pushed out of our comfort zone often!

One of those uncomfortable situations, could be having a crucial or tough conversation with someone. 

We often avoid having tough conversations because we don't know how the other person is going to react. 

But their reaction is on them... it's not your responsibility. What you can control and what is your responsibility is your actions, your words and controlling your emotions.

1. Make an appointment to speak with this person

2. Prepare well, write down some key words or phrases that you can take with you (in case you freeze up)

3. Approach the person calmly, instead of going in guns blazing ready to defend and attack.

4. Address the issue as a collective issue, saying that you are concerned for the gossip culture and that other employees are worried as well. Ask them if they would be able to commit to creating a gossip-free culture and share with them the RESPECT Framework (Listen to episode 46 for more information) to get rid of gossip. 

5. If they get defensive, state the facts. stick to the facts and do not take it personal. It's personal to them, not to you.

6. Follow up after the meeting

7. Get other leaders, line managers involved and committed to a gossip-free environment.

Mentioned in the Episode

John Maxwell - 360° Leadership (from Amazon)

Let's Connect

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• Join the Private Facebook group community
• Receive the weekly newsletter

Free Downloads

• RESPECT Framework - a 7 step framework for eradicating workplace gossip
• Workplace Gossip Risk Assessment
• Workplace Culture Survey - For your team
• The Tuckman Model - 5 stages every team will navigate, over and over again

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership regarding healthy work environments.

______________________

Let’s discuss a healthy workplace environment. Let’s flip the coin and look at the positive today.

These 6 characteristics were developed through lived experience and my conversations with others.

If even one of these areas is out of whack, you’ll notice something isn’t quite right.

What systems do you have in place to ensure a healthy work environment?

Having a healthy work environment is not all about how people feel. It’s about the structures you put in place to support them to do their jobs properly.

Think about your:

• Interviews
• Onboarding
• Job descriptions
• Probation periods
• Policies and Procedures (SOP’s)
• Performance management
• Resignation process and period (how are people treated during these periods)
• Communication methods
• Client management
• Staff management (HR)

Are these updated regularly or are they old and outdated, so no one uses them?

Systems form the foundation of any business, no matter how big or how small. Without effective and efficient systems, you are setting yourself and your employees up for failure.

Activity: Audit your systems, decide what needs updating! The free diagnostic tool will also give you suggestions on what you can do to make improvements.

What are the expectations of employees, leadership team, heads of departments, the CEO, etc? Are there any?

How is this communicated? When is it communicated? How often is it communicated?

Are staff expected to stay up to date with expectations with no communication from anyone?

How are staff expected to give their best, if they don’t know what is expected of them?

Again, you are setting your employees up for failure if you fail to communicate.

Suggestions:

• Verbal and in writing, why because of various learning styles. Some people learn or understand better with verbal, some with writing, some need both.
• If you’ve had a conversation with someone, follow it up with an email, always! Get them to reply back to say they acknowledge it.

Activity: Audit the expectations in your workplace. Take the free organisational gap analysis (diagnostic tool) and find out how you score.

How are staff performance measured? Is it measured at all?

Are there annual performance reviews and what is this measured against?

Are staff given the opportunity to work towards an annual goal that they have chosen, something that will be motivating to them to want to achieve.

Are they rewarded for exceptional performance?

Here we’re looking at the positive and the constructive or even the negative.

What happens to a staff member if they stay performing poorly, or even have a behavioural problem?

What the processes (they systems!) that you have in place to manage this.

Or, will you also fall into the category where there is no process and the employee, gets away with their behaviour and makes it into a toxic workplace for everyone else

If staff performance isn’t managed, then the performance, will essentially manage the business.

You are only as strong as your weakest link! So, what are you doing about that weakest link?

Activity: Audit your current performance evaluation practices. Score yourself using the organisational gap analysis. 

Free Diagnostic Tool

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

Next steps: 

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Do you suspect that you might have a toxic workplace culture? Here are 10 red flags alerting you to your toxic workplace culture. Listen as I unpack each of these. Then in an upcoming episode, I will share strategies on how you can improve this and turn those red flags into green flags. 

1. Lack of Respect
2. Poor Communication
3. Unrealistic Workload
4. Lack of Work-Life Balance
5. Favouritism and Cliques
6. Gaslighting
7. Lack of Recognition and Appreciation
8. Negative and Pessimistic Atmosphere
9. Unhealthy Competition
10. Lack of Ethical Behaviour

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

In this episode, we talk about praying for your team.

Should we pray for our team members as leaders? And what should we pray? Should we pray for them to change? Should you pray for their souls to be saved? 

In this episode, the Lord shows us that we are more like Jesus than we know or think. 

Jesus was a leader to His disciples and although there were so many things that the disciples did that Jesus could have been really disappointed with or He could have scolded them... He didn't. He loved them, he was kind and most of all, He prayed for them. 

Pray that the Lord will use you as an instrument to lead your team.

Pray that the Lord will show you and guide you to lead your team like Jesus did.

Lean back and trust in the Lord, ask Him today for your daily bread and trust Him for today. 

As women we often suffer from imposter syndrome, and we believe that we are not worthy and that we are not good enough.

God has a message for you today... you are good enough! You are worthy! You are not an imposter, because He chose you! You are His daughter. And He has chosen you for a time like this.

Lean back, trust Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and all your spirit and all your mind. 

I trust that this episode will bless you as much as it blessed me. 

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Being resilient in this day and age is basically as important as having a meal to satisfy your hunger. It’s unavoidable. We’re living in some really trying times at the moment and every day when you watch the news, scroll through your feed or even just talk to a colleague or family member, you realise that there are some really lost people out there getting involved in all sorts of things that is not from the Lord.

So how can we as female Christian leaders remain resilient and strong in the Lord and not be led astray by the things of this world?

In this episode, I’ll be discussing 4 ways that you can do just that. 

1. Pray and put on the armour of God, every single morning

Ephesians 6:10-18 - New International Version

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour r of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Becoming resilient means you are able to cope with life’s challenges, changes, and uncertainties and being able to bounce back.

Putting on the armour of God and praying on a daily basis for God to help you with life’s challenges, changes and uncertainties will greatly increase your resilience as you trust in Him.

God wants us to trust in Him and go to Him with our problems.

My prayer is always for God to give me Wisdom, Insight and knowledge above my ability and understanding and for a spirit of discernment in every single decision that I make in my day and the people that I work with. I ask God to show me His way for the day and help me with every decision I need to make.

We have to realise that there are many bad people and bad things in this world that try to break and tear us down, and the last thing Satan wants is for you to step out every day wearing the armour of God. It’s basically the Wild West out there and we’re fighting just to stay alive. That sounds a bit rough, but I don’t think we should underestimate the spiritual battles going on right now in the spiritual realm.

What Satan does want though is for us to fall and never get back up again. He will always fight to keep us in the deep dark pits of hell where we feel we just can’t continue anymore and feel absolute despair as if our only response is to give up.

Pray and pray and pray some more, before every meeting, before emails, and get into the habit of trusting God for everything throughout your day.

2. Surround yourself with other believers

Where do you surround yourself with other believers?

Church, connect groups, friends, family, people who love you for you and will support you through tough times at work, that can pick you up when you fall, that can plough into you

3. Caring for yourself

- Mentally

- Spiritually

- Physically

4. Journaling

By journaling you gain the ability to see your progress over time builds resilience as you look over how strong you were during that time, and how you can’t believe you made it through, it also strengthens your relationship with God as you see how he carried you through. At the moment you might not see it, but when you are through it, you look at and you will stand in awe.

************************

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1. Click the link

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Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate HERE to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Setting Clear Expectations #2

Welcome to the second episode of the Setting Clear Expectations series. 

In this second episode, we'll discuss 6 definitive ways you can ensure you set clear expectations with your team so that there is absolutely no confusion!

Here they are:

1. Expectations must be realistic and obtainable
2. Staff need to have clear objectives and must be linked to key results - understand what success will look like, provide context and further clarity where required
3. Expectations must be measurable and linked to metrics
4. Staff must be kept accountable & offered support
5. Expectations and staff need to have clear deadlines and timeframes
6. Expectations must be Communicated and documented

Setting clear expectations is crucial for effective leadership. When a leader communicates their expectations clearly, team members have a precise understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and performance standards.

This clarity minimises confusion, reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings, and fosters a sense of direction and purpose within the team. Moreover, clear expectations provide a basis for accountability, enabling leaders to measure and evaluate team performance objectively.

Overall, setting clear expectations not only enhances efficiency but also builds trust, boosts morale, and contributes to the achievement of organisational goals.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate Here to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!

Welcome to the first episode of the new Gossip Series. In this first episode, I'll be answering the question... Is it really gossip?

I've often been asked what is the difference between Office Chatter and Gossip. 

Let's define each of the terms:

Office Chatter: Office chatter refers to casual and often light conversations that take place in the workplace. It includes discussions about work-related matters, general news, and even personal topics that aren't meant to be harmful or damaging. Office chatter can help build camaraderie, create a sense of belonging, and foster a positive work environment. It's typically harmless and contributes to a healthy workplace culture.

Gossip: Gossip, on the other hand, involves discussing personal or private matters about others, often without their knowledge or consent, and frequently with a negative or judgmental tone. Gossip can be damaging as it spreads unverified information, harms relationships, erodes trust and creates a toxic work environment. It often focuses on personal aspects of someone's life that have no bearing on their work performance or job responsibilities.

Distinguishing Factors between Office Chatter and Gossip:

1. Intent: Office chatter aims to connect, share experiences, and create a friendly atmosphere. Gossip, however, often involves spreading information with the intention of causing harm, stirring drama, or undermining someone's reputation.

2. Content: Office chatter encompasses a wide range of topics, including work-related matters, shared experiences, hobbies, and interests. Gossip tends to focus on personal details, rumours, judgments, and negative assessments of individuals.

3. Effect: Office chatter contributes positively to workplace culture by building relationships and fostering a sense of community. Gossip has a negative impact, eroding trust, creating tension, and damaging morale.

4. Consequences: Office chatter can strengthen bonds and improve team dynamics. Gossip can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a decline in productivity.

Listen as I also share what you can start doing immediately, regarding gossip in your workplace. 

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching call, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Sign up for my upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Sign up here.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!