Team Roles

For a team to function effectively a range of roles will need to be fulfilled to ensure there are no capability and behavioural gaps within the team. One theoretical model, the ‘Belbin Team Roles', identifies nine behavioural characteristics (called clusters of behaviours) which are stated to be needed for the creation of a high performing team, although the relative importance of each behaviour will vary according to the aims and objectives of the required task. An effective team can exist with less than 9 people, as one person can have strengths in more than one preferred role, however, getting the right balance can be challenging in a workplace. Pidgeon holing individuals may act as a barrier to team engagement and development as this may restrict their perception of their contribution to the team. However, a good manager will aim to co-ordinate and encourage the strengths of the individuals in the creation of an effective team.