Episode 97Nov 24, 2021

How to Spot, Squash, and Prevent Silos

John McGee
John McGee
How to Spot, Squash, and Prevent Silos image
On this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, John and Adam discuss silos: what they are, how to spot them, and what to do about them! If your teams seem to struggle to work together, then this episode is for you!

 

 

 

Episode Summary

Patrick Lencioni states that silos “are nothing more than the barriers that exist between departments within an organization, causing people who are supposed to be on the same team to work against one another.” (Lencioli, Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars)

Silos cause the body of Christ to fight each other rather than fulfil their calling to work together. They often will result in hurt feelings, unnecessary competition, inefficiencies, and lower moral. In any organization, sales, marketing, accounting, HR all need to work together in order to flourish.

Think about your workplace for a moment. In what areas do you tend towards isolation and individualism rather than working freely with others? If you are consistently gravitating towards competition or selfishness, you may be in a silo.

Recommended Resources:

Silos, Politics and Turf Wars: A Leadership Fable About Destroying the Barriers That Turn Colleagues Into Competitors by Patrick Lencioni

Keep Exploring

Explore more articles and podcast episodes related to this topic.

John McGee sits in front of a mic and laptop in the Church Leadership Podcast studio at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas
Episode: 212Oct 28, 2026
AI and the Church: 3 Questions for Church Leaders | John McGee

About this Episode AI is changing how people find answers, build relationships, and seek guidance. How can your church prepare? In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares three questions to help church leaders think beyond sermon prep and productivity: What will be scarce? What’s scary? And what’s possible? He explores the growing need for meaningful community and connection with God, the challenges AI could bring to the people you shepherd, and opportunities to free up resources for ministry. Through it all, he offers a reminder: Jesus still holds all things together. Listen in, then bring these three questions to your next team meeting.

Church Leadership

John McGee and Scott Kedersha of Watermark Community Church sitting at podcast table in front of microphone in podcast studio with blue graphic wall background.
Episode: 211Oct 15, 2026
The Trap of People-Pleasing | John McGee and Scott Kedersha

About this Episode In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee is joined by Scott Kedersha to discuss how people-pleasing affects church leaders. Scott shares how his desire for approval led him to overwork and compromise his convictions, while John reflects on his struggle with criticism of his work. They discuss how to recognize what drives the need for approval, have difficult conversations, and find rest in what Jesus has already done.

Church Leadership

John McGee of Watermark Community Church speaking into mic in the Church Leadership Podcast studio.
Episode: 210Sep 30, 2026
Find Feedback Before it Finds You | John McGee

About this Episode Most leaders know they need to give good feedback. But are you intentionally asking for it? In this episode of Church Leadership Podcast, John McGee shares why healthy leaders seek feedback before a problem or blind spot forces the conversation. He also shares a simple exercise he uses with his leadership team to invite candid feedback, uncover blind spots, and grow in humility. If you want to keep growing as a leader, don’t wait for feedback to find you.

Church Leadership

Stay equipped

Keep up-to-date with news and updates on our latest podcast episodes, blog articles, and conferences by subscribing to our newsletter.