Effective Teamwork: Roles, Agreements & Decision-Making

Teamwork: Roles and Responsibilities

Brain

The Brain is the problem-solver and the go-to person for questions. They are the most decisive and intelligent member of the team.

Coordinator

The Coordinator directs the team's workflow, schedules meetings, and divides tasks among groups. They also resolve group dynamic issues and ensure smooth operations.

Resource Investigator

Resource Investigators explore ideas and report their findings from outside the group. They are skilled at establishing external contacts and conducting negotiations.

Impulsor

Impulsors are action-oriented individuals who motivate themselves and others, even in challenging situations. They are quick to find solutions during crises.

Monitor Evaluator

Monitor Evaluators are rational thinkers who can set aside emotions to solve problems. They assess ideas for usefulness and take steps to implement them.

Cohesioner

Cohesioners' extroverted nature enables them to work well with others and listen effectively. They adapt to changes and harmonize conflicts.

Implanter

The Implanter adapts processes within each group, introducing new methods and analyzing their impact, whether positive or negative.

Finisher

The Finisher completes, perfects, and finalizes tasks. They understand and execute team orders to achieve objectives.

Specialist

The Specialist performs specific tasks within a group, often requiring specialized knowledge. For example, a specialist in a communication group might analyze data to extract insights.

Ways to Reach Agreement

Unanimity

Unanimity leverages the collective wisdom of stakeholders and the development team to generate strong buy-in and shared ownership of a decision. It means everyone agrees on the same course of action.

Majority

A majority, also known as a simple majority or absolute majority, represents more than half of the members. For instance, in a group of 20, a majority would be 11 or more individuals.

Consensus

The consensus decision-making process aims for agreement from the majority while addressing and minimizing objections from the minority. It seeks the most suitable decision for all, leaving most parties satisfied.

Advantages of Team Decisions

• Diversity of opinions
• Increased participation and interest
• Positive and understanding team members
• Collective idea contribution
• Team building
• Democratic decision-making
• Abundant information
• Expert opinions
• Voting system
• More informative outcomes

Disadvantages of Team Decisions

• Time consumption
• Conflicting ideas and opinions
• Suppressed disagreement
• Social pressures
• Lazy team members
• Resistance to leadership
• Potential confrontations
• Excessive meetings
• Information overload
• Too many opinions to manage