Women of Faith in Leadership | Leading with integrity, Management, Christian Leadership, Leading with confidence, Teamwork

094 | Struggling with Self-Doubt? 5 Bible Verses to Help You Build Confidence as a Leader

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

093 | How to create your vision for the new year + the podcast’s vision for 2025

As leaders, it’s not only imperative that you create a vision for yourself as a leader, but also to work with your team to create a vision for the year.
In doing so, you have one holistic goal you are working towards and can reflect on this at the end of the year.
In this episode, I’ll be sharing the steps you can take to create your leadership vision for 2025, and I’ll be sharing my vision for the podcast for 2025.
If you didn’t listen to last week’s episode, episode 92, I’d highly recommend that you do. In this episode, we did a reflection of the year.
We reflected on your individual growth, your team’s performance and your leadership effectiveness.
We’ll use this today in creating your vision.
Listen to the episode now!
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.

092 | End of year review - Questions to ask yourself at the end of every year

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.

091 | Leadership lessons from the Christmas Story - What we can learn from Mary and Joseph

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.

090 | [Guest] What I wish leaders knew about working with neurodivergent people - Kadin McEwen

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!
Have 15 minutes to spare to chat with me regarding the vision of the show for 2025?
Email me: support@rikawhelan.com or
DM me: on Facebook or LinkedIn
 
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

BONUS: Do you have 15 minutes to support the vision of this podcast for 2025?

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!!

089 | Reviewing SOPs, policies and procedures. The process and common pitfalls!

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
Form a Review Team:
Identify key stakeholders
Consider diverse perspectives
Assign specific roles and responsibilities
Assess Current Documentation:
Review existing SOPs, policies, and procedures
Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and redundancies
Evaluate clarity and understandability
Conduct a Gap Analysis:
Compare current practices to industry best practices
Identify areas for improvement
Assess compliance with relevant regulations and standards
Update and Revise:
Simplify language and eliminate jargon
Add visuals or flowcharts for clarity
Update references and links
Ensure consistency with organizational goals and values
Train and Communicate:
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.
Contribute to the podcast's planning for 2025
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!
 
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.

BONUS: Quick Podcast update 2 December 2024

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. 

088 | 5 Leadership mistakes that push your team to burnout and how to avoid them

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.

087 | Experiencing high staff turnover? Review these 5 things ASAP + 5 retention strategies!

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:
Company Culture:
Is the company culture positive, supportive, and inclusive?
Are employees feeling valued and appreciated?
Are there opportunities for growth and development?
Leadership:
Are leaders effective and supportive?
Do leaders communicate clearly and often?
Do leaders provide constructive feedback and recognition?
Compensation and Benefits:
Are salaries and benefits competitive?
Are there opportunities for bonuses, promotions, and raises?
Work-Life Balance:
Are employees able to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Are there flexible work arrangements available?
Job Satisfaction:
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.