UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: A Look at the 5 Voices Framework

If you were to ask me, "Josh, what would be your first step in developing a high-performance team?" I might begin by sharing a quote we use around the GiANT world, "Everyone speaks, but not everyone is heard." Then I would say emphatically: "Find a way to bring out everyone's voice and watch your team multiply their results."

It is my conviction that teamwork is no longer a perk; it's a necessity. To compete, organizations need teams that are not only highly skilled but also radically self-aware. Dr. Tasha Eurich, a psychologist, and executive coach teaches that leadership is founded upon the foundation of self-awareness calling it the "meta-skill of the 21st century."

You can read a previous article about that phrase here.

To build world-class teams, we must harness the power of relational intelligence (RQ). Click here to access the free 5 Voices Assessment. You will be taking a bold step in developing a personal and robust relational intelligence.

What is Relational Intelligence?

RQ refers to the ability to understand, build, and navigate relationships effectively. It encompasses a range of skills, including:

• Self-awareness: Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations.
• Social awareness: Reading emotions, recognizing social cues, and understanding different perspectives.
• Relationship management: Building rapport, nurturing trust, and fostering positive connections.
• Influence: Persuading and motivating others while respecting their needs and preferences.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with others, adapting to different styles, and achieving shared goals.

Why is RQ Important for Teams?

Most teams operate at a 58% capacity based on the GiANT Team Performance Assessment data. Teams with higher RQ outperform their counterparts in various metrics, including:

• Increased trust and collaboration: When team members understand and appreciate each other's strengths and differences, they are more likely to trust, collaborate, and communicate openly. This leads to a more positive and productive team environment.
• Improved conflict resolution: Teams with strong RQ skills are better equipped to navigate disagreements constructively and find mutually beneficial solutions. This reduces conflict and keeps the team focused on achieving its goals.
• Enhanced creativity and innovation: Diverse perspectives and open communication are essential for fostering creativity and innovation. Teams with high RQ are more likely to embrace diverse ideas and build upon each other's strengths, leading to groundbreaking solutions.
• Stronger team performance: Ultimately, high RQ translates to better team performance. Teams that collaborate effectively, communicate openly, and leverage diverse perspectives are better equipped to achieve their goals and outperform their competitors.

Introducing the 5 Voices Framework

One framework that can help teams develop their RQ is the 5 Voices tool developed by GiANT Worldwide. The 5 Voices model identifies five distinct communication styles and tendencies that individuals naturally gravitate towards. Note: it's important to remember that everyone has access to all 5 voices, but will speak some of them more naturally than others. Much like writing your signature with your dominant hand versus your non-dominant hand. It's doable just more difficult and draining.

• Nurturer: the champion of relationships, harmony, emotional well-being, and values.
• Creative: champions organizational integrity as well as innovation, new ideas, and possibilities.
• Guardian: champions stability, security, and systems, and ensures due process when making big decisions.
• Connector: Skilled at building bridges, fostering collaboration, and finding common ground to champion relational networks.
• Pioneer: champions results, is decisive, and is driven to achieve goals.

The 5 Voices framework is valuable for teams in several ways:

• Increased self-awareness: By understanding their natural tendencies and styles of communication, team members can better understand how they come across to others and how their behavior impacts team dynamics.
• Appreciating diversity: The 5 Voices framework helps team members appreciate the strengths and contributions of different communication styles. This fosters a more inclusive and collaborative team environment.
• Improved communication: By understanding each other's communication styles, team members can tailor their communication to be more effective and avoid misunderstandings.
• Enhanced conflict resolution: Recognizing different communication styles can help team members approach conflict more constructively and find solutions that work for everyone.
• Boosted team performance: By leveraging the strengths of all team members and communicating effectively, teams can achieve greater results and reach their full potential.

Putting the 5 Voices Framework into Practice

Here are some steps teams can take to put the 5 Voices framework into practice:

• Take the 5 Voices assessment: This assessment helps individuals identify their primary and secondary communication styles. You can access the free version here or upgrade to the full report.
• Discuss the results as a team: Sharing assessment results in a safe and supportive environment can help team members build trust and understanding.
• Develop your communication code strategy: Based on the team's 5 Voices composition, develop strategies for more effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. One of our newer resources is called "The Communication Code" by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram.
• Seek professional development: There are several great development organizations out there. Pick one and go for it. Our team at GiANT Worldwide offers a range of training programs and resources to help teams further develop their RQ skills. If we can serve you, don't hesitate to reach out.

Conclusion

Leaders in the 21st century must navigate through a complex web of interconnectedness and therefore Relational intelligence is arguably the most critical skill for both individuals and teams to develop. By harnessing the power of the 5 Voices framework, teams can build stronger relationships, improve communication, and achieve greater results. If you are looking to help your team unlock even more potential, investing in RQ development is a smart place to start.