We’ve all heard the joke, “Ministry would be easy if not for the people.” We all have days that can feel frustrating or out of sync—like when you’re overwhelmed by your workload or those on your team aren’t speaking the same language. In those moments we wonder if it might be easier to just go at it alone. But the reality is we need more than just ourselves to accomplish the mission we’ve been given.

In today’s conversations, we hear from Doug Fields and Amber Baker. With a combined 50-plus years of experience leading teams, they share the whys and hows for celebrating and empowering those you’ve been called to lead. Whether you lead a team of staff, volunteers, or students, these techniques will help you grow in your awareness of yourself as a leader, as well as those you’re working with every single day.

Welcome to Episode 80 of the Think Orange Podcast.

Topic Timeline

K-Daddy shares the importance of letting those you lead know you believe in them (1:23)

Today’s episode brought to us by The Orange Conference (3:22)

Doug Fields talks about the value of people who can lead others well (5:30)

Lead like you want to be led—what do you want from the people who are over you? (8:34)

Every leader is a bundle of strengths and weaknesses (10:49)

Leadership shouldn’t be about comparison (11:08)

Within the church, we need to improve in how we develop people (12:08)

Team-focused leaders give up their pride (14:47)

A spotlight leader puts the attention on others’ accomplishments and successes (15:46)

Team-focused leaders give up perfectionism (16:51)

Team-focused leaders give team members genuine belief (19:27)

Belief is a decision, so remind people occasionally how talented they are (23:27)

Praise in public; criticize in private (24:12)

Sarah Bragg and Dan Scott interview Amber Baker (25:10)

Understanding your team as individuals is important (27:24)

Amber describes the four temperaments of the Real Colors Personality Test (27:51)

The art of getting the most out of every personality type and keeping your team on the same page (32:03)

A foundation of trust is critical for building a dynamic team (34:01)

Having people in the right roles is key to growing your team (35:18)

Tips for hiring and firing well (37:44)

Alignment is a constant, consistent process (39:27)

Advice for leaders whose teams are hanging by a thread (41:42)

How to choose a personality or temperament assessment that’s right for you and your team (43:45)

Dave’s final thoughts (47:18)