Belbin's Nine Team Roles, Descriptions and Weaknesses

Question 1

Plant

Answer 1

Creative, imaginative, unorthodox.
Solves difficult problems

Question 2

Plant Allowable Weaknesses

Answer 2

Ignores details. Too preoccupied to communicate effectively.

Question 3

Resource investigator

Answer 3

Extravert, enthusiastic, communicative, explores opportunities, developes contacts.

Question 4

Resource investigator weaknesses

Answer 4

Over-optimistic. Loses interest once initial enthusiasm has passed.

Question 5

Co-ordinator

Answer 5

Mature, confident, a good chairperson. Clarifies goals, promotes decision-making. Delegates well.

Question 6

Co-ordinator weaknesses

Answer 6

Can be seen as manipulative. Offloads personal work.

Question 7

Shaper

Answer 7

Challenging, dynamic, thrives on pressure. Has the drive and courage to overcome obstacles.

Question 8

Shaper weaknesses

Answer 8

Can provoke others. Hurts people’s feelings.

Question 9

Monitor-Evaluator

Answer 9

Sober, strategic and discerning. Sees all options. Judges accurately.

Question 10

Monitor-Evaluator weaknesses

Answer 10

Lacks drive and ability to inspire others.

Question 11

Teamworker

Answer 11

Co-operative, mild, perceptive and diplomatic. Listens, builds, averts friction.

Question 12

Teamworker

Answer 12

Co-operative, mild, perceptive and diplomatic. Listens, builds, averts friction.

Question 13

Teamworker weaknesses

Answer 13

Indecisive in crunch situations.

Question 14

Implementer

Answer 14

Disciplined, reliable, conservative and efficient. Turns ideas into practical actions.

Question 15

Implementer weaknesses

Answer 15

Somewhat inflexible. Slow to respond to new possibilities.

Question 16

Completer

Answer 16

Painstaking, conscientious, anxious. Searches out errors and omissions. Delivers on time.

Question 17

Completer weaknesses

Answer 17

Inclined to worry unduly. Reluctant to delegate.

Question 18

Specialist

Answer 18

Single-minded, self-sharing, dedicated. Provides knowledge and skills in rare supply.

Question 19

Supply weaknesses

Answer 19

Contributes on only a narrow front. Dwells on technicalities.