Most organisations define roles through a job description outlining key tasks and responsibilities. However, successful teamwork depends on something beyond that: behavioural roles within the team.
Belbin Team Roles explain how individuals contribute to team success beyond their formal job description.
The Difference Between Job Descriptions and Belbin Team Roles
A job description describes what someone is responsible for / the tasks they undertake; What they do.
Belbin Team Role role describes how they contribute to the group; How they do it.
For example:
• A project manager may (or may not) act as a Coordinator
• A technical expert may (or may not) contribute as a Specialist
• A creative designer may (or may not) behave as a Plant
Understanding both perspectives is essential for effective teamwork.
The 9 Belbin Team Roles
Belbin identified nine distinct behavioural roles. Each represents a valuable way of contributing to team success beyond a standard job description. The nine team roles can be subdivided into three core areas;
Action Based Roles
• Shaper – drives progress and challenges inertia
• Implementer – turns plans into practical action
• Completer Finisher – ensures quality and attention to detail
People Based Roles
• Coordinator – clarifies goals and delegates effectively
• Teamworker – supports relationships and team cohesion
• Resource Investigator – explores opportunities and builds networks
Thinking Based Roles
• Plant – generates creative ideas and solutions
• Monitor Evaluator – provides objective analysis and judgement
• Specialist – contributes in-depth knowledge and expertise
No role is more important than another. Effective teams require balance. Not necessarily equal balance but the right balance. Having the right mix of each of the required roles which reflect the most appropriate mix, which can depend on the purpose / tasks / responsibilities of the team.
Why understanding the Job Description and Team Roles can improve collaboration
When teams really understand their behavioural roles through a combination of job descriptions and team roles, several benefits can emerge:
• Clearer expectations
• Fewer misunderstanding
• Reduced conflict
• Improved decision-making
• Stronger collaboration
As people begin to appreciate different working styles, they start to see differences as a benefit and advantage rather than an obstacle to working together effectively.
Applying Team Roles in the Workplace
Belbin Team Roles can support:
• Leadership and management development
• Project team formation
• Conflict resolution
• Recruitment decision making
By focusing on team contribution, organisations can unlock the full potential of their people.
Final Thought
Job descriptions explain tasks, responsibilities and structure.
Belbin Team Roles explain behaviours in the team.
Having a clear understanding of both can help teams work together even more effectively together.
Email hello@belbin.scot to find out more.