Belbin Team Role Theory is a theory of team dynamics developed by the British psychologist, Dr Meredith Belbin It suggests that effective teams are composed of people who display a range of activities, known as team roles. Belbin Team Role Theory divides roles into nine categories: coordinator, shaper, monitor evaluator, implementer, resource investigator, team worker, completer/finisher, and specialist.
The coordinator is the leader of the team and acts as the driving force behind the team's success. They are responsible for setting direction, keeping the team focused, and motivating and inspiring the team. The coordinator is the team's eyes, ears and heart, and they ensure the team is working together and the tasks are being successfully completed.
The shaper is the person who takes risks and encourages the team to take risks, too. They provide the team with motivation, creativity and enthusiasm, and bring an injection of energy to the team. They act as the catalyst for change and are prepared to challenge existing ideas and perspectives.
The monitor evaluator is the team's analyst. They have an eye for detail and can step back from the task and see the bigger picture. They are able to take the longer view and evaluate the team's progress and the overall aims of the team.
The implementer is the person who takes the team's ideas and turns them into reality. They break down goals into achievable tasks and ensure these are completed in the most efficient and effective manner.
The resource investigator is an independent thinker who brings new ideas and contacts to the team. They are always searching out and developing new opportunities, contacts and resources to benefit the team.
The team worker is the one who supports the team members, making sure everyone feels valued and has a voice. They try to keep team morale high and ensure that everyone is working together effectively and efficiently.
The completer/finisher is the person who ensures tasks are completed on time and to a high standard. They are the perfectionist who pays attention to the finer details and ensures that the team's output is of the highest quality.
The specialist is the person with the specialist knowledge who can help the team apply their knowledge to the tasks in hand. They may have a specific skill or knowledge that adds value to the team.
Belbin Team Role Theory is based on the belief that teams can achieve more when the team members have different skills and roles. This theory of team dynamics helps to identify people's strengths and weaknesses, enabling teams to work together more effectively and efficiently. It also helps to identify gaps in skills and knowledge, allowing teams to fill any gaps with new recruits.