The 9 Belbin Team Roles Test
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The 9 Belbin Team Roles is a well-known framework for identifying strengths and weaknesses within a business. This enduring theory has transformed how companies collaborate and interact with one another.
Created in the 1960s and published by its founder in the early 1980s, this personality test categorises individuals into one of nine worker types commonly found in today’s workplaces. If you’re working with a new team or trying to figure out which roles would suit your employees best, take a look below for some insights and ideas.
Belbin team roles are similar to other teamwork theories such as Fisher's Theory, Henry Ford, John Adair Leadership, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Tuckman Theory.
The Principle
The Belbin Team Roles, created by Meredith Belbin, is a behavioural test designed to identify the best candidates for nine distinct roles. These roles are applicable to any company and its employees today. Read on to discover what they could mean for you and your business.
The History
After studying at Henley Management College (now Henley Business School), Belbin dedicated a significant amount of time to exploring what makes workgroups succeed or fail. After a decade of keen observations, he decided to conduct an experiment. Participants took a series of psychological tests designed to recreate the dynamics of work life and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
What Are the 9 Belbin Team Roles?
In 1981, Belbin published his first book that defines the 9 roles (“Management Teams: Why They Succeed or Fail”). Within this, he defines these roles as such:
1. Plant
Creative and full of ideas, “The Plant” is essential in any workgroup, as Belbin noted. While this type of colleague may find it challenging to communicate their thoughts to the rest of the team, they play a vital role in developing the perfect idea or strategy.
2. Resource Investigator
When it comes to outreach, the Resource Investigator is invaluable. Whether networking with other businesses or creating new opportunities, this role serves as the team's key connection to the outside world.
3. Co-ordinator
The Co-ordinator is someone who can see the bigger picture and step back from a project, making them an excellent leader. With qualities like maturity and confidence, their role involves delegating tasks and helping others stay focused on the job at hand.
4. Shaper
Outgoing and goal-oriented, the Shaper is an extroverted teammate who drives everyone to maintain momentum and focus on getting the job done. They tend to view ‘challenges’ rather than ‘problems’ and are always eager to explore new approaches to tasks.
5. Monitor Evaluator
Logical and observant, Monitor Evaluators excel at analysing processes and how they are executed. Their impartiality and ability to remain unaffected by biases enable them to make clear and concise decisions.
6. Teamworker
Often seen as the proverbial cogs that keep the wheel turning, the Teamworker ensures the process runs smoothly. They’re great listeners and have a knack for diffusing tensions, helping the team stay on track to get the task done.
7. Implementer
Efficient and driven by loyalty, the Implementer excels at turning group ideas into reality. They’re known for their excellent timekeeping skills and often step in to take on tasks that others may prefer to avoid.
8. Completer-Finisher
Often seen as the perfectionist, the Completer-Finisher goes the extra mile to ensure everything is done correctly. With a strong focus on accuracy and high standards, they frequently check and recheck the final product to ensure it meets their expectations.
9. Specialist
The Specialist is dedicated to mastering every aspect of their role or task, making them the go-to person for a wealth of information. They demonstrate high levels of concentration and possess above-average skills in their particular field.
Wrap-Up
In conclusion, Belbin Team Roles are a valuable resource for enhancing team dynamics and effectiveness. By understanding each team member's strengths, weaknesses, and preferred working styles, teams can allocate tasks and responsibilities more effectively, ensuring everyone operates in a way that plays to their strengths. Belbin’s theory highlights that each individual brings a unique set of skills and preferences that can be harnessed to boost team performance.
To further strengthen these dynamics, consider incorporating team building activities that align with the Belbin framework. Engaging in activities tailored to your team’s roles can enhance collaboration and communication, driving better results. Implementing this framework, along with targeted team-building experiences, can lead to a more productive and collaborative work environment. With Belbin's Team Roles, teams can work together more effectively and achieve their goals more efficiently.
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