In any organisation, the success of a team is closely tied to a genuinely shared understanding of its purpose.
Team purpose is a crucial first step in any team building or team development process. What does the team exist to do?
Whether the team is working on a short-term project or long-term strategic initiatives, having a clear and common purpose provides ongoing direction, fosters collaboration, and enhances motivation.
I recall the importance of ‘unity of purpose’ and the ability to ‘select and maintain the aim’ being drummed into me in my 20’s as a young Army Officer. Even if things get tougher, more complex or increasingly risky, a clear understanding of the purpose of the mission and end-state that we are accountable for together, helps us stay on course. It's also easier to take the initiative in the absence of specific guidance when needed if a team knows clearly what its propose is.
Without clarity of purpose, teams can easily lose focus, become disengaged, disjointed, experience friction and conflicts, or simply fail to meet their objectives. Fortunately, various tools and frameworks exist to help teams align their purpose, their strengths and to perform effectively.
One such tool is the Belbin Model, which offers a structured approach to understanding team dynamics and roles, enabling teams to work together more efficiently by understanding how each of us helps achieve the objectives we have.
The Importance of Knowing a Team's Purpose
Defining Purpose: The purpose of a team serves as its ‘north star’, guiding the actions and decisions of its members. It is the “why” behind the team's formation and objectives. What is the actual end-state expected of us? Knowing this purpose allows team members to stay focused on the overarching goal and specified end-state rather than getting bogged down by irrelevant tasks or distractions. Without a shared understanding of the purpose, team members may struggle to define and align their actions, causing confusion and inefficiencies.
Motivation and Engagement: A clearly defined purpose fuels motivation. When team members understand the significance of their work and its impact, they feel a stronger sense of commitment, especially if the unique contributions they make are also understood by others. This sense of purpose is often linked to increased job satisfaction and engagement, as people are more likely to invest their time and energy into something they find meaningful.
Decision-Making and Prioritisation: Knowing the team's purpose also simplifies decision-making. With a shared objective, teams can easily prioritise tasks that align with their purpose and to the right person for the job, ensuring that their efforts are not scattered or misdirected. When conflicts or differing opinions arise, the team's purpose can serve as a benchmark for making decisions that are in the best interest of achieving the team's goals.
Collaboration and Cohesion: Teams with a clear purpose tend to exhibit greater collaboration. When everyone understands their role within the larger context, and those of others, it creates a sense of unity and fosters an environment where team members are more willing to support one another and welcome different styles of approach. This cohesion is essential for overcoming challenges and ensuring that the team functions as a well-oiled machine even under pressure.
How the Belbin Model Can Help Teams Achieve Their Purpose
The Belbin Model is a widely recognised framework for understanding the various behavioural roles that individuals play within a team.
Developed by Dr. Meredith Belbin and his research team, the model identifies nine distinct behavioural roles that people naturally assume in team settings. These roles fall into three categories: Action-oriented roles, People-oriented roles, and Thinking-oriented roles.
Each role contributes uniquely to the team's overall success, and understanding these roles can help teams leverage their strengths more effectively and understand the way each person contributes. Most people can play a number of these roles naturally, some in a manageable way and others as least preferred roles.
Promoting Role Awareness: The Belbin Model provides insight into the different roles team members are likely to play based on their natural strengths and tendencies. For example, someone might naturally take on a co-ordinating or driving role such as a “Coordinator” or “Shaper,” while others might excel in creative problem-solving as “Plant” or critical thinking and analysis such as a “Monitor Evaluator.” By identifying these roles, teams can better allocate tasks according to individual strengths, ensuring that everyone is working toward the team’s purpose in a way that aligns with their abilities.
Balancing Roles for Effectiveness: One of the key insights from the Belbin Model is the importance of role diversity. A team dominated by one type of role, such as all “Shapers,” might be highly driven but lack the creativity or interpersonal skills needed to succeed. The Belbin Model encourages teams to recognise the value of diverse roles and create a balance that fosters well-rounded team performance. This balance helps teams avoid blind spots and ensures they are addressing all aspects of their purpose, from generating ideas and planning to execution to collaboration.
Improving Communication and Collaboration: When team members understand their own roles and the roles of their colleagues, communication tends to improve. Misunderstandings and conflicts often arise from a lack of clarity about who is responsible for what, or clashes of differing operating styles. The Belbin Model clarifies these responsibilities, and helps us appreciate diversity, thus helping team members collaborate more effectively and reducing the likelihood of friction.
Developing Team Members: Finally, the Belbin Model is a tool for growth and development. By identifying their strengths and potential areas for improvement, team members can work on developing complementary skills that help achieve the team’s purpose. This development can enhance their contributions to the team’s purpose and create more adaptable, well-rounded individuals who can step into different roles as needed.
A clear purpose is vital for the success of any team, providing direction, motivation, and a foundation for decision-making. The Belbin Model complements this by helping teams understand the unique roles individuals play and how they can work together more effectively.
By promoting role awareness, balance, and improved communication, the Belbin Model ensures that teams are better equipped to achieve their purpose and perform at their best.
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