Is There a Voice Missing in Your Ministry?
Discovering and Amplifying the Five Voices for Effective Church Leadership
If you are frequent reader of Church Leader Insider, or have known me for any length of time, you know that I am always on the lookout for great tools for building great teams At our recent Leadwell Senior Pastor Cohort, one of the mentors, Kirk Freeman, founder and lead pastor at Crossbridge Community Church introduced the guys to Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram’s book The Five Voices: How to Communicate Effectively with Everyone You Lead. The book is not a new release but it was new to me and most of the young lead pastors in the room “leaned way in” as Kirk described how it had been a gamechanger in his leadership at Crossbridge.
The book introduces a framework based on five distinct "voices," each representing a different communication style and perspective. And when understood and appropriately represented on a team leads to greater collaboration.
Following is a quick run down. Be sure to read through all five, because most of you will find yourself resonating with the pioneer.
The Five Voices
Nurturer
Description: Nurturers are compassionate, empathetic, and always concerned about the well-being of others. They are the protectors of values and relational harmony within a team.
Strengths: Attentive to people's needs, strong relational skills, loyal, and supportive.
Challenges: May struggle to assert themselves, can be overly cautious, and may avoid conflict.
Creative
Description: Creatives are visionary thinkers who often see the world differently. They are passionate about ideas and possibilities and are driven by a desire to innovate and improve.
Strengths: Visionary, innovative, and idealistic with a strong sense of the future.
Challenges: May have difficulty communicating their ideas clearly, can be perceived as impractical or unrealistic, and may struggle with details.
Guardian
Description: Guardians are practical, detail-oriented, and focused on protecting processes and traditions. They are responsible and reliable, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Strengths: Methodical, detail-oriented, reliable, and strong in execution.
Challenges: Can be resistant to change, may come across as overly critical or inflexible, and can focus too much on rules and procedures.
Connector
Description: Connectors are charismatic, persuasive, and great at building relationships. They are excellent communicators who can connect with a wide range of people and bring them together.
Strengths: Strong networkers, persuasive, and enthusiastic with a natural ability to inspire others.
Challenges: May struggle with follow-through, can be overly optimistic, and may have difficulty with details and long-term planning.
Pioneer
Description: Pioneers are strategic, determined, and focused on achieving goals. They are natural leaders who are driven by results and the pursuit of excellence.
Strengths: Strategic thinkers, confident, decisive, and goal-oriented.
Challenges: Can be perceived as domineering or insensitive, may overlook the needs and feelings of others, and can be overly focused on outcomes.
So, what’s your voice? And are there voices missing or overrepresented that are creating constraints to your momentum? Stay tuned to my next post on insights on maximizing momentum.
Are you seeking a community of peers to navigate church leadership and life with? Consider applying for one of my Leadwell Cohorts. We offer specialized groups for Next Gen Senior Pastors, Executive Pastors, and Senior Pastors Finishing Well. While our spring groups are full, fall cohorts are now forming and filling fast.
Note: Cohorts are by invitation only. If you're interested, contact me ASAP at greg@ligongroup.com or schedule a call here.
I’m excited to partner with Dave to bring the Pastor Smart Succession process to support you and your church as you enter the succession zone. We’ll walk with you each step of the way, helping you shape a “framed fit” for your future.
If you’re beginning to consider what’s next, I’d love to connect, learn more about your needs, and share how we can assist. You can schedule a call here.