Research showed that the most successful teams were made up of a diverse mix of behaviours.
They discovered that there are nine clusters of behaviour – these were called ‘Team Roles’. Each team needs access to each of the nine Team Role behaviours to become a high performing team. However, this doesn’t mean that every team requires nine people! Most people will have two or three Team Roles that they are most comfortable with, and this can change over time. Each Team Role has it’s strengths and weaknesses, and each has equal importance. However, not all are always required at the same time – it is important to first look at the team objectives, and work out which tasks need to be undertaken. Once this has been done, discussions can take place regarding which and when each Team Role behaviour should be utilised.
None of this is possible without an individual completing a Belbin Self-Perception Inventory and asking for feedback from their colleagues. The Belbin Individual Report that is produced will help pin-point individual Team Role strengths (and weaknesses) to communicate and share with the rest of the team.
By using Belbin, individuals have a greater self-understanding of their strengths, which leads to more effective communication between colleagues and managers. Great teams can be put together, existing teams can be understood and improved, and everyone can feel that they are making a difference in the workplace.
Plant
Team Role Contribution
Creative, imaginative, free-thinking. Generates ideas and solves difficult problems.
Allowable Weaknesses
May ignore incidentals. Can be too preoccupied with own thoughts to communicate effectively.
Resource Investigator
Team Role Contribution
Outgoing, enthusiastic, communicative. Explores opportunities and develops contacts.
Allowable Weaknesses
Over-optimistic. Can lose interest once initial enthusiasm has passed.
Co-ordinator
Team Role Contribution
Mature and confident. Identifies talent and clarifies goals. Delegates effectively.
Allowable Weaknesses
Can be seen as manipulative. May offload own share of the work.
Shaper
Team Role Contribution
Challenging, dynamic, thrives on pressure. Has the drive and energy to overcome obstacles.
Allowable Weaknesses
Prone to provocation. Can offend people’s feelings.
Monitor Evaluator
Team Role Contribution
Serious minded, strategic and discerning. Sees all options and judges accurately.
Allowable Weaknesses
Can lack drive and ability to inspire others. Can be overly critical.
Teamworker
Team Role Contribution
Co-operative, perceptive and diplomatic. Listens, builds morale and averts friction.
Allowable Weaknesses
Can be indecisive in crunch situations. May avoid confrontation.
Implementer
Team Role Contribution
Disciplined, reliable, conservative in habits. A capacity for taking practical steps and actions.
Allowable Weaknesses
Somewhat inflexible. Can be slow to respond to new possibilities.
Completer Finisher
Team Role Contribution
Conscientious and accurate. Searches out errors. Polishes and perfects.
Allowable Weaknesses
Inclined to worry unduly. Reluctant to delegate.
Specialist
Team Role Contribution
Single-minded, self-starting, dedicated. Provides in-depth knowledge and skills in short supply.
Allowable Weaknesses
May contribute only on a narrow front. Dwells on technicalities.