Belbin's model, profiles and reports are used for genuine team building and successful team cultures world-wide.
The Belbin Team Role Model is now an established model that is used world-wide in team building to improve team performance and efficiency. Sabre has used the model since 1989, and is proud to be Australia’s Belbin Distributor.
We find Belbin useful for identifying and refining the actual culture present within a team, as opposed to trying to impose an artificially contrived and compliant culture. This offers a greater chance of lasting impact and value for real teams as people feel they can safely be themselves, just well-managed versions of themselves at work.
The Belbin model was initially developed by Dr. Meredith Belbin in the 1970s and 1980’s, and it is based on the idea that every individual has a unique combination of skills, preferences, and behavioural traits that affects their performance in a team. The model and its profiles and reports have been normed, refined and enhanced across more than three decades.
Belbin identifies nine team roles that are essential for team success and for a genuine team building process. These roles are divided into three categories: Action Oriented Roles, Socially Oriented Roles, and Thinking Oriented Roles. The Action Oriented Roles include the Shaper, the Implementer, and the Completer Finisher. The Socially Oriented Roles include the Coordinator, the Teamworker, and the Resource Investigator. The Thinking Oriented Roles include the Plant, the Monitor Evaluator, and the Specialist.
Each role has specific strengths and weaknesses, and by understanding these roles and how they fit together, individuals, working relationships and teams can be optimized for maximum performance. This is real and enduring team building as opposed to purely superficial activity based intervention.
One of the many benefits of using the Belbin Team Roles model is that it promotes genuine diversity in teams. By recognizing that each team member brings a unique set of skills and behavioural traits, teams can avoid the pitfalls of groupthink and create a more dynamic and effective team. Teams often articulate a need for 'psychological safety' within the team, but fall short if they are sub-consciously or consciously spurning certain behavioural styles in meetings or projects as opposed to better understanding their contributions.
By matching team members to roles that suit their strengths, teams can also ensure that everyone is working in a role that they enjoy and are good at, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and motivation.
Another benefit of using the Belbin Team Roles model is that it helps to identify potential conflicts within the team. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member, teams can anticipate potential conflicts and address them before they become a problem. For example, if two team members have similar strengths and are competing for the same role, this can lead to conflict. By recognizing this potential issue, teams can address it proactively and find a solution that works for everyone.
The Belbin Team Roles model can also help to improve communication within teams. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member, teams can tailor their communication style to suit the individual. For example, if a team member is a Resource Investigator, they may prefer a more informal and social communication style, whereas a Monitor Evaluator may prefer a more formal and structured communication style. By understanding these preferences, teams can improve their communication and avoid misunderstandings.
Overall, using the Belbin Team Roles model can be a valuable tool for enduring team building and development.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and matching them to roles that suit their skills and preferences, teams can create a more dynamic and effective team. By promoting diversity and improving communication, teams can avoid potential conflicts and work together more efficiently. While the Belbin Team Roles model is not a silver bullet for team building, it can be a useful framework for teams to work within and can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
To find out how we can help you make use of Belbin CONTACT US:
T – 1300 731381 E – Team@Belbin.com.au
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