Legacy of Leadership - 5 Voices
Welcome to another Toolkit Tuesday! This week, we’re wrapping up our exploration of the 5 Voices Framework with a focus on the ultimate goal of every leader: creating a Legacy of Leadership. (If you missed the previous emails on the 5 Voices you can find them all here.)
The Challenge
As a leader, have you ever wondered what your team will look like in five or ten years? Will they have the skills, communication, and confidence to succeed without you? Many leaders focus on short-term wins but struggle to create systems and cultures that thrive in their absence. The reality is, without intentional development, teams often fall short of their potential and struggle to sustain long-term success.
When leaders fail to build a leadership legacy, teams can become overly dependent on them, losing momentum and direction when they step away. Missed opportunities for growth and development can lead to stagnation, turnover, and gaps in leadership pipelines.
The Tool: 5 Voices for Teams
The 5 Voices for Teams is more than a tool for improving communication—it’s a process for creating a culture of shared leadership. By intentionally developing each of the voices within your team, you empower individuals to step up, own their strengths, and collaborate more effectively.
Superpowers of All 5 Voices
Here’s how integrating the voices into your leadership strategy builds a lasting legacy:
Nurturers ensure the team maintains trust and relational harmony, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Creatives drive innovation and future-focused thinking, ensuring the team remains adaptable and visionary.
Guardians protect quality and process, providing the stability and consistency needed for long-term success.
Connectors foster collaboration and engagement, ensuring the team remains connected to its mission and stakeholders.
Pioneers set ambitious goals and inspire confidence, driving the team toward bold achievements.
Why This Matters Now
Leaders who develop a culture where all 5 Voices are understood and empowered build teams that thrive beyond their leadership. This approach creates not just short-term wins but a resilient, high-performing culture that sustains success for years to come. Without this intentionality, the organization risks losing momentum, trust, and its ability to navigate future challenges.
The Result
When leaders integrate the 5 Voices for Teams, they create a self-sustaining culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation. Teams equipped with this framework communicate more effectively, adapt to change, and achieve strategic goals with confidence. Leaders who prioritize building a legacy empower their teams to grow, thrive, and lead effectively—long after their direct influence has ended.
Action Step
This week, take time to reflect on your leadership legacy:
Assess Your Culture: Are all 5 Voices understood and valued in your team?
Develop a Plan: Identify ways to intentionally grow and empower the quieter voices in your team.
Invest in Development: Commit to providing ongoing leadership development, using a process like 5 Voices for Teams to equip your team for long-term success.
