When it comes to successfully building and developing teams within a business, there are key areas team leaders should focus on. These areas include identifying the core skill sets required for each job role and understanding the various positions that need to be filled within the team.

According to research conducted by Dr Belbin, the so-called 'father of team role theory' there are nine roles that contribute to the success of a team. However, in the modern office environment, many employees encompass multiple roles, while some roles may not be necessary at all.

At Team Challenge Company, we understand the importance of team building and integrated development for the smooth running and success of teams, departments, and businesses. It is not only crucial for enhancing employee satisfaction but also for achieving higher levels of team performance.

While most office environments are no longer rigid and formal, there is still value in having structure, clarity in job roles, and a consistent working routine.

Understanding Team Roles

Before you can effectively identify the strengths and weaknesses within your team, it is essential to know the roles that exist within your team. If your team consists of too many individuals with leadership tendencies and not enough team-oriented workers, it can compromise the overall effectiveness of the team.

Roles commonly found in teams:

1. Resource Investigator: This person is inquisitive and skilled at researching. They constantly seek new ways to develop projects but can sometimes become distracted by new ideas.
2. Team Worker: This person excels at moving projects forward and can be highly reliable. However, they may be less comfortable taking the lead or making decisions that impact the entire team.
3. Coordinator: This individual excels at organizing workloads and delegating tasks effectively. While highly efficient, they may sometimes take on too much and become overwhelmed.
4. Plant: This person is always creative and innovative, thinking outside the box. However, they may struggle to communicate their ideas effectively to others.
5. Monitor Evaluator: This person possesses a logical and methodical mindset, providing critical and strategic thinking that benefits the entire team. However, their evaluation processes can sometimes be time-consuming.
6. Specialist: This individual has a deep interest and expertise in a specific area, which can be valuable for team and business growth. However, they may lack knowledge in other important areas within the team or department.
7. Shaper: A shaper is a team member who leads and drives the team forward, overcoming obstacles along the way. They are focused on completing projects on time without compromising quality.
8. Implementer: This person supports the shaper by turning momentum into a practical schedule for the team. They efficiently incorporate strategies but may be resistant to change, particularly when it comes to new processes.
9. Completer Finisher: This person is skilled at fine-tuning projects and reports, possessing a perfectionist outlook ideal for customer-focused roles. However, they may struggle to delegate tasks to others.

Building a successful team is crucial for the growth and success of your business. By understanding the roles within your team and focusing on team development, you can create a cohesive and high-performing team that drives your business forward.

For more information on our range of team building experiences, please contact our event managers. We operate throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Give us a call at 03300 04 09 03.