Don’t Let Your Leadership Get Stuck in the Echo Chamber

5 Steps to Building a Stronger Team

The Echo Chamber Trap

It’s comfortable to surround ourselves with people who think, act, and lead just like we do. They “get” us, they’re easy to talk to, and they validate our ideas. But here’s the problem: that comfort zone is a leadership trap. When everyone around you thinks the same way, you risk stunting your own growth—and your church’s. True growth demands diverse perspectives and even discomfort.

Leading in a church can be one of the ultimate echo chambers. When I first began leading a church, I had no idea how easy it would be to isolate myself from almost anyone who didn’t attend our services. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by people who shared my beliefs and views—people who saw the world much like I did. But to lead well, I realized that I needed to broaden my circle to include voices outside my church, from industry leaders to non-believers. Without those perspectives, church leadership can turn into a self-contained bubble, making it harder to see what your church and community need most.

Let’s explore why building a team of people who are “not like you” can be one of the most effective leadership strategies.

There are five steps you can take to help keep yourself out of the proverbial leadership echo chamber:

Step 1: Understanding Yourself as a Leader

The first step toward building a balanced and diverse team is knowing who you are as a leader. It’s challenging to admit that we’re not great at everything—no leader is. But being honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots will help you understand what kinds of people you need to add to your team.

Questions for Self-Reflection

• What are my primary strengths? Am I more of a visionary, relational, operational, or strategic thinker?

• What areas do I find challenging? Are there aspects of leadership—like planning, administration, or personal accountability—that I struggle with?

• How does my personality help or hinder my leadership? Are there times when my personality becomes a barrier to others’ perspectives or creates a blind spot?

• How do I respond to disagreement? Do I invite it, tolerate it, or avoid it?

• Who do I naturally gravitate toward? What types of people or personalities am I most comfortable working with?