Which Team Role Suits You Best?
By Jesper Dybvad Olesen
Knowledge about team roles helps team development
All of us have skills and insights that may come to good use in a teamwork.
Skills are valuable when they complement each other.
Insights are valuable when they provide an overview for the team members.
We usually have a preference for a primary team role and one or two secondary team roles.
It is an advantage to have nine team roles present in a team of 3 to 6 members.
Which team roles are yours?
Which primary team role suits you best in the pursuit of getting an overview?
Pick one primary team role from Belbin's Model of Nine Team Roles.
Also pick one or two secondary team roles that you think fit you well.
PLANT
A bright and free-thinking team member. Generates ideas. Creative and imaginative. Solves problems. Makes innovative solutions.
RESOURCE INVESTIGATOR
A networker and a maker of possibilities. Explores opportunities. Makes contacts. Shares information. Negotiates with outsiders. Responds well to challenges.
CO-ORDINATOR
A helper seeing the big picture. Clarifies goals. Ensures contributions to discussions and decisions. Helps allocate roles, responsibilities, and duties. Formulates conclusions.
SHARPER
A provider of focus on tasks and momentum. Dynamic. Takes challenges. Thrives on pressure. Possesses the drive and the courage required to overcome obstacles. Seeks patterns. Challenges others.
MONITOR-EVALUATOR
A strategic, logical and fair observer. Sees all options and judges accurately. Analyzes problems and complex issues. Monitors progress. Prevents mistakes. Assesses the contributions of others.
TEAM WORKER
A good listener and diplomat. Resolves conflicts. Ensures interpersonal relationships. Gives support and help to others. Socially oriented.
IMPLEMENTER
A practical thinker. Creates systems and processes. Turns suggestions and ideas into workable solutions. Works out how a problem can be practically addressed.
COMPLETER FINISHER
A perfectionist. Spots details, flaws and gaps. Sets high standards. Double-checks. Emphasizes the need for completing schedules, deadlines and tasks.
SPECIALIST
A passionate learner in their own field. Brings 'specialist' knowledge to the team. Single-minded, self-starting and dedicated. Provides unique expertise and skills.
Questions
Which team role did you chose as your primary team role?
Which team roles did you chose as your secondary team roles?
You may now ask the following questions:
Which team roles do your team colleagues have?
Which team roles – if any – are missing in your team?
How efficiently is the team progressing with its current skills and insights?
How may you describe your overview?
How do you get more insights to every team member?
You are a member of a complete team if
– contacts and communications are strong and efficient
– abilities and skills are used to manage insights and equipments
– decision-making is relatively quick.
Complete teams have overviews and they create significant progress efficiently and quickly.
Overview with LEARN LEAP LEAN ►
About the author:
Founder of the Protein-Biscuit Group.
Experience as Business Consultant, University Teacher, Coach and Product Developer.
On Twitter @LearnLeapLean