Within a group project, everyone will have their own individual strengths and weakness. Assigning group roles is one way that can help play to everyone's strengths. The group roles needed will differ depending on the number of people within the group and the nature of the group project.
Assigning roles and their duties can enhance productivity and group cohesion and prevent group members from feeling disconnected from the group’s work
It is important to remember that no one group role is better than any other. Each role has an important part to play in a group project. Sometimes certain roles may be more desired than others, so you may need to be flexible and take upon a role that you may not particularly want or feel suits your skill set. The group roles below are suggestions and shouldn't be set in stone. Not every project will need every role or will perhaps need more than one person filling it. Smaller projects may need people filling more multiple roles.
When creating a Group Working Agreement, you should consider including who will take on the work of a particular role if the original person assigned is unable to complete it.
There are many different roles that you can fill in a group, but among the more common roles are:
The facilitator is in charge of organising group meetings, making sure each group member is heard and sets the group agenda.
The editor is responsible for making sure the work is free of typos and errors and is written in a unified voice. Everybody has their own way of writing so by assigning an editor, you can help ensure that each part of the work is consistent. The editor can identify if parts of the work are too long or short compared to others. They might have to go back to group project members and ask for changes. The editor should be the one to submit the assignment (if only one copy needs to be submitted) but should make sure the group is happy with the completed work beforehand.
The note taker keeps track of what has been said and decided at each group meeting. The decisions and summaries of each meeting should be circulated to the team after each meeting.
If the assignment requires a presentation, the presenter is the one who speaks on behalf of the group. Sometimes your teacher may want each member of the group to speak so be sure to read the assignment brief carefully.
The timekeeper makes sure the group gets each part of the project on time. This involves sending out reminders to each member of what they must do and when. The timekeeper will also make sure every item is covered in group meetings, reminding members how much time is left where necessary.
The mediator helps resolve differences of opinions where disagreement arise. This person should be a good listener and try not to take sides.
At Henley Management College, starting in the 1960s, the British researcher and management consultant Raymond Meredith Belbin spent over ten years studying the factors that influenced team success or failure. Through observational research, team games and psychometric testing, Belbin concluded that teams with a balance of different personality types were the best performing. He identified nine different group role types:
Plants are intelligent, creative and a source of ideas. The group may have committed to a particular course of work, but that won't necessarily stop the Plant from coming up with new ideas
They have plenty of connections and are good at networking and can generate enthusiasm at the start of the project by opening up lots of possibilities. Enthusiasm and momentum may wane towards the end of the project however
Co-ordinators are confident with excellent interpersonal communication skills. They are very good at delegating tasks to the right person for the job, but there's more to group work than delegating.
Shapers are energetic and task-oriented. They like to get things done and provide drive and momentum. Shapers often lack Co-ordinators' interpersonal skills and can be seen as aggressive and unsympathetic.
Monitor Evaluators see the bigger picture with clarity and impartiality. They're good at assessing options and are analytical, but their critical nature and lack of passion can annoy others
Teamworker is perhaps the essential Belbin group role. They're the glue that hold teams together. Good listeners and diplomats, they get along with everyone and can prevent conflict. Don't expect them to come up with ideas or makes decisions.
The doers. They turn ideas into actions and get stuff done. Having committed to a course of action, Implementers like to stick to it and can be inflexible and closed-minded
Perfectionists who make sure everything is "just right," They ensure accuracy and correctness but can frustrate their teammates by fussing over minor details
Specialists are experts in their own particular field and enjoy sharing their knowledge. Can be of very limited use - and enthusiasm - outside of their area of expertise.
It's always interesting - and sometimes fun - to take quizzes and tests that assess your personality. You wouldn't take them as the gospel truth however and it's the same for Belbin team roles. Belbin never intended these as the nine definitive team role types, but more as an aid to management and business consultancy. What is true, however, is that the best and most successful groups do have a mix of different personality types who bring different attributes to the work.
In addition to positive group roles, there are some negative roles to avoid. When these roles are noticed by group members, it’s very important to quickly work out why these roles are appearing within the group and take steps to prevent them from disrupting the group. The Group Dynamics page has some suggestions for dealing with disruption
Tries to dominate or take control of the group
Offers nothing but silly and distracting comments. Doesn't take the work seriously
Sees the flaws in any plans or ideas suggested by the group but never offers any constructive advice
Talks all the time and thinks their plans and ideas are the best
Always making excuses for not doing the work and looking for assistance
Simply doesn't participate in group activities
