An important part of the team building process is exploring and clarifying team roles. There are several great frameworks by researchers around the different roles team members play. For example, you may want to explore the writings and frameworks of Belbin, (insert link tohttp://www.belbin.com/about/belbin-team-roles/).
In my work as a team coach I like to build on the knowledge of the team itself, getting them to generate their own framework, and naming the different roles they play in their team. It’s common to hear terms like: Project coordinator, social convenor, initiator, implementer, fact checker, Devil’s Advocate. Each role serves a valuable purpose.
What are the roles which exist in your team?
Why is this topic important?
Exploring team roles is important for a variety of reasons. First, conflict often emerges when teams do not have clarity on their roles as a team. Next, role overlap may lead to duplication, and role division may lead to huge gaps that exist. Another layer which is extremely important as a team is to ensure that others understand what roles you inhabit, and what is enjoyable or not. It’s also important to remember that members of a group can get into “role fatigue” when they have to inhabit that role for a long time. The writing of Marita Fridjohn and Ann Rod explores this topic, along with other many useful team topics, .
Here’s a discussion you can undertake as a team:
Enjoy your conversation,
Jennifer
In my work as a team coach I like to build on the knowledge of the team itself, getting them to generate their own framework, and naming the different roles they play in their team. It’s common to hear terms like: Project coordinator, social convenor, initiator, implementer, fact checker, Devil’s Advocate. Each role serves a valuable purpose.
What are the roles which exist in your team?
Why is this topic important?
Exploring team roles is important for a variety of reasons. First, conflict often emerges when teams do not have clarity on their roles as a team. Next, role overlap may lead to duplication, and role division may lead to huge gaps that exist. Another layer which is extremely important as a team is to ensure that others understand what roles you inhabit, and what is enjoyable or not. It’s also important to remember that members of a group can get into “role fatigue” when they have to inhabit that role for a long time. The writing of Marita Fridjohn and Ann Rod explores this topic, along with other many useful team topics, .
Here’s a discussion you can undertake as a team:
- What are the roles which exist within the team?
- Who inhabits the different roles?
- What is the greatest value that role serves for this team?
- How might that role get over-magnified or over-inhabited?
- What roles need to be clarified for the team?
- What roles are missing? What’s needed?
- Which roles are overlapping? What impact does this have?
Enjoy your conversation,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats.
Follow us on Twitter @Teams365
Phone: (416)996-8326
Looking for practical things to do with your virtual team? Refer to chapters 7, 10, 11 and 12 of my newest book. Pick up a copy of my new book, Effective Virtual Conversations, at Amazon.
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats.
Follow us on Twitter @Teams365
Phone: (416)996-8326
Looking for practical things to do with your virtual team? Refer to chapters 7, 10, 11 and 12 of my newest book. Pick up a copy of my new book, Effective Virtual Conversations, at Amazon.
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