The Single Greatest Responsibility of Every Leader (& Why Most Get It Wrong) Artwork

The LeadingSmart Podcast

Honest conversations. Practical insights. Smarter leadership.

Hosted by Tim Stevens and Holly Tate, The LeadingSmart Podcast exists to equip church leaders who care deeply about leading with integrity, clarity, and wisdom—even when it’s hard.

In Season One, we’re diving into a topic most churches avoid until it’s too late: pastoral succession. Over 10 episodes, we’ll pull back the curtain on one of the most critical and complex leadership conversations in the Church today.

Whether you’re a senior pastor beginning to ask “what’s next?”, a board member trying to plan for the future, or a staff leader walking through change, this season will give you the tools, language, and courage to navigate succession well.

Here’s what you can expect each week:

Insight from decades of experience helping churches through transition

Honest stories from the frontlines

Tangible takeaways you can apply with your team, board, or congregation

And of course…our weekly Rants & Raves on everything from leadership to soft pants 😄

Because the truth is: Succession isn’t a moment. It’s a mindset. And it starts long before you think you’re ready.

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The LeadingSmart Podcast

The Single Greatest Responsibility of Every Leader (& Why Most Get It Wrong)

August 18, 2025 • Tim Stevens • Season 2 • Episode 4

Welcome back to Episode 4 on The LeadingSmart Podcast, Tim Stevens (founder of LeadingSmart) and Holly Tate dive deep into what might be the most crucial leadership responsibility: building the right team. After 40+ years in ministry leadership and consulting on thousands of teams, Tim reveals why getting this wrong costs organizations massive time, energy, and mission impact.

The Harsh Reality: One wrong hire can consume 80% of your leadership energy, stealing focus from your highest-capacity team members who could actually advance your mission.

The Game-Changing Tip: Tim shares why "clarity is kindness" and how the church's "terminal disease of niceness" is actually cruel to both struggling employees and thriving team members.

The Leadership Breakthrough: Learn the difference between "nice" and "kind" in difficult conversations - and why this distinction could save your organization.

Key Revelations from 40 Years:

• Why calling your staff a "family" sets you up for failure (and what to say instead)

• The "quick hellos, long goodbyes" principle that transforms team dynamics
• How Tim learned to spot talent vs. trying to motivate the unmotivated

• Why celebration isn't "fluffy" - it's a strategic leadership tool that increases retention and performance

• The Notre Dame football example that proves culture beats talent

Critical Leadership Lessons:

"Influence grows by what you do, not what you're called" "Culture eats strategy for breakfast - if your staff culture is toxic, no vision will stick" "You can't terminate your sister, but sometimes you have to remove a team member for the mission"

BONUS: Epic Two Truths & A Lie - Ministry Edition!

You won't believe which of these is true: Tim narrated the Kids Adventure Bible audiobook, Holly played ET in a church play, or Tim sang high tenor in a Southern gospel quartet!

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00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges

00:37 The Importance of Hiring and Team Building

03:16 Balancing Grace and Clarity in Tough Conversations

07:57 Celebration as a Leadership Tool

13:16 Understanding and Building a Positive Culture

16:39 The Power of Culture in Overcoming Challenges

17:27 The Role of Chemistry in Team Dynamics

18:56 Balancing Chemistry and Culture in Organizations

20:36 Reflecting on Leadership and Team Building

21:08 Fun Segment: Two Truths and a Lie

27:00 Highlighting Vander Bloomin's Contributions