Strategy Execution Playbook

Introduction

Strategy Execution Playbook

Box0.2: Ensure Role Compatibility

About

Dr. Meredith Belbin has defined the role of a team as “a tendency to behave, contribute and interrelate with others in a particular way.” [4] After studying teams for many years, he identified nine team roles that people seemed to take on when working in teams: Shaper, Implementer and Completer Finisher are Action-oriented Roles; Coordinator, TeamWorker and Resource Investigator are People-oriented Roles; and Plant, Monitor Evaluator and Specialist are Thinking oriented Roles. • Helps team members not only develop self awareness, but it also helps them understand each other better. • Allows team members to play on their strengths but stay aware of their weaknesses, thereby minimizing the potential for friction. • Provides a learning opportunity and helps individuals move beyond their “default” settings. • Celebrates the diversity of the team rather than seeking homogeneity.

Plant: Innovators & ideas. Prefer to work alone.

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Thinking-oriented Roles

Monitor Evaluator: Separate good ideas from bad.

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Specialist: Skills in a specialist job.

3

Shaper: Challenge norms. take lead, push team.

4

Merits

Action-oriented Roles

Implementer: Executors of plans.

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Completer Finisher: Complete the fine details.

6

Coordinator: Natural team leaders.

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TeamWorker: Diplomats, keep team cogs turning.

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People-oriented Roles

Resource Investigator: Find external resources.

9

When to Apply

•

At the project kick-off.

• To be revisited as members evolve from one role to another over time, or if the team welcomes a new member.

Figure 0.3: Belbin Team Roles

Source: Belbin Team Roles, Belbin, Meredith Dr. (1981)

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