5 Voices

Whether you’re a brand new council working together, or a seasoned team preparing the transition to your new leaders, this article provides an introduction to a useful tool in discovering your unique voice in group communication. Check out why Molly Harris-Stevens recommends that your leadership team take the 5 Voices Assessment.

- Team AFLV

On the first day of my new job, I assumed I was walking into your typical leadership training.

Let’s be honest: some nuggets of great information might stick with you, but much will fade over time. Prior to the start of the training we were asked to take the 5 Voices Assessment created by GiANT Worldwide, which helps you to discover your voice/voice order as a Nurturer, Creative, Guardian, Connector, or Pioneer via a free assessment (take the assessment here). 

The 5 Voices Assessment really made me deeply reflect on how sometimes you’ll have a great idea, but nobody around you seems to understand or support it. While the way we approach circumstances is different, it’s how we communicate the message that impacts the people around us. Reflect on this: Have you ever had to work one on one with your total opposite? Does the way this person approaches problems make you feel uncomfortable? Were you worried this person would not fulfill their commitment to the team's overall mission? How do they react when overwhelming personal issues arise? Do you feel like you are talking past each other? 

The 5 Voices system helped my coworkers and me communicate better and better understand each other, as we navigated a high-profile and high-stress job environment. The Presidential Inauguration is coordinated behind the scenes by countless individuals and I was lucky enough to be one of them. I had the pleasure of serving as a staffer on the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). During the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional office interactions were severely limited, our team of 25 was thrown together to execute a huge and complex project on a tight deadline, ensuring that the President of the United States took the oath of office by noon on January 20, 2021. 

5 Voices helped my teammates and I learn about each other, and more importantly how to communicate with each other during times of stress.

The assessment taught me that I’m a Guardian (the middle voice), somebody who’s organized and seeks structure and order, and who isn’t afraid to step up and lead if I believe I’m the “expert” on the topic at hand. I also learned that during times of stress, my voice personality becomes an interrogator and seeks to clarify even the smallest details to ensure nothing is being overlooked when we may not have the time. 

What stuck out with me is that all five voices are needed to have productive conversations to ensure we are communicating effectively with everyone we come into contact with, not just people who think like me! I’ve carried forward the use of 5 Voices in my volunteer experience with Pi Beta Phi. When working with collegians, I start the semester by asking them to take this personal assessment. I use it as a roadmap to know when and what might cause members additional stress or pressure within their specific position. For example, if you are a nurturer, you might have a hard time with one-on-one direct conflict; as a creative, you might find it difficult working within traditional deadlines; a guardian might not react well to a last-minute meeting being added to your calendar; a connector might feel uncomfortable with small gaps of silence; and a pioneer might not think to stop and ask others for their ideas before moving forward on a project. 

Many of you may have just transitioned, or are prepping to transition, or may have been working with the same team for the last six months and just haven’t hit your stride.

The 5 Voices can be used in all settings, from your personal relationships, to Fraternity/Sorority Life, and to the workplace. Not everyone around will have the opportunity to take this assessment, however, learning about other voice types can ensure you are an effective listener as you collaborate in the classroom, your campus community, and your workplace. 

Molly

harris-stevens

Deputy Chief of Staff, Congressman Jake Ellzey