List of sources
Avery S (2008) ‘A winning MRO Sourcing Strategy requires communication, teamwork.’ Purchasing. Vol 137 (12) 27.
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=4&did=1613628961&SrchMode=2&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1262881053&clientId=17200
http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/belbin.htm
[Website: Accessed 29/01/10]
Davis A (2004) ‘Mastering Public Relations’ Palgrave MacMillan: Hampshire.
Deo T (2003) ‘Integrity in PR will only come through collaboration’ Media. (P.15)
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=8&did=479868671&SrchMode=2&sid=4&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1263136251&clientId=17200
Crofts J (2009) – Lecture notes, The University of Lincoln.
Love K (2009) ‘Practise Growth: How Teamwork Creates Buzz and new Business’; CPA Practise Management forum. Vol 5 (1) 12.
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=3&did=1711821461&SrchMode=2&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1262881053&clientId=17200
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_83.htm
[Website: Accessed 29/01/10]
Sunday, 10 January 2010
My Style!
My style and skills and who compliments it?
I am an active, confident doer and evidently I work best with Action Orientated role members as this suits my role and my style of work where I like to be active and tackle the task head on. However, I am also a people person who is considerate of the other members and tries to challenge and motivate them. Although I get on better with more extrovert people, the quieter introvert people probably compliment my work best such as a research or specialist role as they form the basis of the direction of my work. The more extrovert roles such as shaper or co-ordinator could possibly clash with my role depending on the situation. I understand that a researcher and specialist will compliment my style as they will cover areas of research more thoroughly then my style of work will. Despite this, I feel that an implementer might compliment my style best as it is an action orientated role that is reliable and efficient and that will work with me to get the job done.
My flaws….what flaws??
It is important to recognise your weak traits so that you are aware if them and the affect that they will have on other people and therefore, how to manage them.
Being an extrovert worker, I must ensure that I am sensitive to the other personalities of the group and accept the less confident and shyer personalities and encourage their full contribution ensure that their full potential is met.
Furthermore, it is vital that I do not forget the importance of the thought orientated roles as these people offer the basic foundation for your ideas and provide the research and work behind closed doors. I must remember that just because my role is more extrovert and heard it is not by any means more important or larger than any other role! Each role is vital for success and each role needs acted upon to its full potential to achieve ultimate success.
MY Dream Team!!!
In my opinion the perfect team would ensure every member was motivated and active. However, it is vital that there is an equal selection of action orientated, people orientated and thought orientated roles evident in the team. The dream team would include every role that Belbin identifies this would ensure every aspect of the task was thoroughly tackled. However, rarely would we ever be this lucky to have a team like this. Instead a team in which every member is motivated and aware of how to accept and work successfully with other personalities is vital. Each member should work hard to their full potential and encourage, motivate and praise the other members. It is important to be aware that this is a team effort and to maintain a high group moral!
What makes a good place to work in?
My dream job would be in a dynamic and innovative company with very high morale and appreciation for every member of staff. The company would ensure that the staff work as a team and focus on team building, any company whether big or small can make improvements on teamwork. The culture should ensure that everyone understands each others skills and recognises that each team member’s role is vital. There should be a common goal and a collaborative work style. I would like to work in a company that has an honest and open work ethic that has an emphasis on accountability and flexibility who celebrate success.
How can I benefit an organisation?
My personality is suited to that of a PR profession as I am confident, outgoing, dynamic and interesting. I thrive on my social skills and enjoy nothing more than meeting and learning about new people.
PR organisations need to work 24hours keeping up-to-date on developments within the media. I am confident that I can meet any organisations needs and would be an asset as I am motivated towards achieving goals and deadlines in a creative way offering hard work and enjoying a challenge. Tackling challenges is something I have individually learnt to do, I have faced challenges throughout my life in education, previous jobs and especially personally and with family. Despite this, I have overcome any challenge I have faced and it has only made me a stronger person. I thrive on being optimistic, independent and motivated. I can benefit a company by offering a strong, positive and dedicated personality.
Am I suited to in-house or Consultancy?
Benefits of In-house:
- Working for a PR department in a large company – public, private, public body, charity.
- Get to know the organisation in depth.
- A range of PR activities.
- Get to know the sector of the industry well.
Benefits of Consultancy:
- Practitioners work for one of more different clients for a fee.
- Work across many accounts.
- Variety of clients.
- Changing environments.
- Pitching for contracts – less secure.
- May work in specialist areas.
Deciding whether I am suited to an in-house or agency company better is a difficult discussion. When I graduate I hope to have had work experience in both aspects so that I can make a more informed decision.
Currently, working in a consultancy seems more attractive to me. This is because of the dynamic environment that it involves. I would thrive on meeting new people every day and beginning to work with them, building new relationships. Different Cultures and people particularly interest me in which I have studied in the media side of my degree. The client would be continually changing and I would learn a huge variety of new personalities and how I should work with them to meet their needs. I would prefer to work in a dynamic environment rather than a set environment such as an in-house department.
An in-house agency however still attracts me. I would enjoy working for a large organisation such as a charity that can also be a dynamic, changing and challenging environment. I do not think that I would be suited to working in an in-house department for a private organisation as the work and environment would be too monotonous for my personality.
I am undecided as to which option would benefit me most however; I am aware that any job that involves working in a dynamic and changing environment, continually meeting new people would suit my personality and work style.
To conclude….
This blog has outlined the importance of teamwork in the PR profession, teamwork touches every service line: Team efforts touch every service line: clients, recruiting and retention, internal and external relations and public relations. Every company needs to work on their team work skills as it is vital for success. How good your team works together will be obvious to clients and it is therefore vital to have a team that can work soundly together to create success and therefore a positive REPUTATION!!!
I am an active, confident doer and evidently I work best with Action Orientated role members as this suits my role and my style of work where I like to be active and tackle the task head on. However, I am also a people person who is considerate of the other members and tries to challenge and motivate them. Although I get on better with more extrovert people, the quieter introvert people probably compliment my work best such as a research or specialist role as they form the basis of the direction of my work. The more extrovert roles such as shaper or co-ordinator could possibly clash with my role depending on the situation. I understand that a researcher and specialist will compliment my style as they will cover areas of research more thoroughly then my style of work will. Despite this, I feel that an implementer might compliment my style best as it is an action orientated role that is reliable and efficient and that will work with me to get the job done.
My flaws….what flaws??
It is important to recognise your weak traits so that you are aware if them and the affect that they will have on other people and therefore, how to manage them.
Being an extrovert worker, I must ensure that I am sensitive to the other personalities of the group and accept the less confident and shyer personalities and encourage their full contribution ensure that their full potential is met.
Furthermore, it is vital that I do not forget the importance of the thought orientated roles as these people offer the basic foundation for your ideas and provide the research and work behind closed doors. I must remember that just because my role is more extrovert and heard it is not by any means more important or larger than any other role! Each role is vital for success and each role needs acted upon to its full potential to achieve ultimate success.
MY Dream Team!!!
In my opinion the perfect team would ensure every member was motivated and active. However, it is vital that there is an equal selection of action orientated, people orientated and thought orientated roles evident in the team. The dream team would include every role that Belbin identifies this would ensure every aspect of the task was thoroughly tackled. However, rarely would we ever be this lucky to have a team like this. Instead a team in which every member is motivated and aware of how to accept and work successfully with other personalities is vital. Each member should work hard to their full potential and encourage, motivate and praise the other members. It is important to be aware that this is a team effort and to maintain a high group moral!
What makes a good place to work in?
My dream job would be in a dynamic and innovative company with very high morale and appreciation for every member of staff. The company would ensure that the staff work as a team and focus on team building, any company whether big or small can make improvements on teamwork. The culture should ensure that everyone understands each others skills and recognises that each team member’s role is vital. There should be a common goal and a collaborative work style. I would like to work in a company that has an honest and open work ethic that has an emphasis on accountability and flexibility who celebrate success.
How can I benefit an organisation?
My personality is suited to that of a PR profession as I am confident, outgoing, dynamic and interesting. I thrive on my social skills and enjoy nothing more than meeting and learning about new people.
PR organisations need to work 24hours keeping up-to-date on developments within the media. I am confident that I can meet any organisations needs and would be an asset as I am motivated towards achieving goals and deadlines in a creative way offering hard work and enjoying a challenge. Tackling challenges is something I have individually learnt to do, I have faced challenges throughout my life in education, previous jobs and especially personally and with family. Despite this, I have overcome any challenge I have faced and it has only made me a stronger person. I thrive on being optimistic, independent and motivated. I can benefit a company by offering a strong, positive and dedicated personality.
Am I suited to in-house or Consultancy?
Benefits of In-house:
- Working for a PR department in a large company – public, private, public body, charity.
- Get to know the organisation in depth.
- A range of PR activities.
- Get to know the sector of the industry well.
Benefits of Consultancy:
- Practitioners work for one of more different clients for a fee.
- Work across many accounts.
- Variety of clients.
- Changing environments.
- Pitching for contracts – less secure.
- May work in specialist areas.
Deciding whether I am suited to an in-house or agency company better is a difficult discussion. When I graduate I hope to have had work experience in both aspects so that I can make a more informed decision.
Currently, working in a consultancy seems more attractive to me. This is because of the dynamic environment that it involves. I would thrive on meeting new people every day and beginning to work with them, building new relationships. Different Cultures and people particularly interest me in which I have studied in the media side of my degree. The client would be continually changing and I would learn a huge variety of new personalities and how I should work with them to meet their needs. I would prefer to work in a dynamic environment rather than a set environment such as an in-house department.
An in-house agency however still attracts me. I would enjoy working for a large organisation such as a charity that can also be a dynamic, changing and challenging environment. I do not think that I would be suited to working in an in-house department for a private organisation as the work and environment would be too monotonous for my personality.
I am undecided as to which option would benefit me most however; I am aware that any job that involves working in a dynamic and changing environment, continually meeting new people would suit my personality and work style.
To conclude….
This blog has outlined the importance of teamwork in the PR profession, teamwork touches every service line: Team efforts touch every service line: clients, recruiting and retention, internal and external relations and public relations. Every company needs to work on their team work skills as it is vital for success. How good your team works together will be obvious to clients and it is therefore vital to have a team that can work soundly together to create success and therefore a positive REPUTATION!!!
Experiencing Team Work!!
Every occasion that I work in a team it challenges me to adapt to the different styles and personalities of the members. However, this is a skill that I feel I have developed and is further developing, by the time I graduate I am confident that I will be accomplished in it.
I evaluated the different team members of this particular occasion and decided on what I felt their roles were in our team. This is my opinion and it may therefore be incorrect or inaccurate:
Member A/ Myself: Shaper and Co-ordinator.
Member B: Monitor/ Evaluator.
Member C: Implementer.
Member D: Completer/Finisher.
Member E: Co-ordinator.
Member F: Monitor/Evaluator.
From my evaluation it is evident that our group lacked a number of roles that are vital for success. I feel that our team could have worked better had these roles been included. Perhaps our team could have benefited from a specialist member for more in-depth research.
Over time, I have noticed that I work better with the more extrovert members who are more active members of the group offering original ideas to the table who I feel have a larger contribution to the task. In this particular task two of the other members were extrovert and the remaining three were more introvert building quietly on the ideas offered. I understand that as an extrovert person I must be sensitive of those less at ease of contributing, I therefore continually try to include and motivate the quieter members asking if they had any ideas or anything they would like to add, or whether they thought our ideas are good.
Tackling the issues we encountered:
It was evident that one group member wanted to complete aspects of the task alone; however we avoided this emphasising that it is a group task. Understandably, people prefer to work alone and often work better alone, and in this case I would suggest that by choice they work alone on aspects of the task to their taste but bring the ideas to the team who can then develop upon them.
In addition, one other group member lacks motivation and leaves things to the last minute. We must accept that this is her style and motivate the member to develop her work gradually rather than leaving it to the last minute. We ensured that this was the case by organising weekly meetings at an arranged permanent slot in our timetable that suited every team member. All the team members were dedicated and consistent at attending the meetings which then motivated the less motivated member to also attend and contribute to the task.
How to get things done? – Motivation and dedication!
As previously mentioned we set aside a specific time for our group meetings which ensured that we completed our campaign and developed our pitch in time for the deadline. At the end of each meeting we discussed what would be completed in the meeting next week. All members were flexible on the length of the meeting depending on what needed completed, we all dedicated the afternoon for our group work no matter how long the tasks took.
To begin the task we discussed what aspects needed included, what we needed to research and what we wanted to pay special attention to. Our group benefited hugely from brainstorming and taking turns to type recording our ideas as we discussed them. We ‘bashed things out’ where everyone’s opinion was offered to the table and we later drew rational conclusions and developed them.
To keep all the members motivated and continually thinking about the task we set up a group email and we would add any ideas that we may have thought of during the day. By reminding the members of the task meant that we would subconsciously think about task and therefore become inspired and draw ideas from everyday life. Furthermore, it is beneficial to practise using the technique of email when working within a group as Pr practitioners use internal emails everyday as a form of communication in their job.
What needed improved?
Our team would have benefited to a bigger variety of people including more thought orientated roles rather than more active of people orientated roles. Apart from this, all the members worked well together and got on well.
I evaluated the different team members of this particular occasion and decided on what I felt their roles were in our team. This is my opinion and it may therefore be incorrect or inaccurate:
Member A/ Myself: Shaper and Co-ordinator.
Member B: Monitor/ Evaluator.
Member C: Implementer.
Member D: Completer/Finisher.
Member E: Co-ordinator.
Member F: Monitor/Evaluator.
From my evaluation it is evident that our group lacked a number of roles that are vital for success. I feel that our team could have worked better had these roles been included. Perhaps our team could have benefited from a specialist member for more in-depth research.
Over time, I have noticed that I work better with the more extrovert members who are more active members of the group offering original ideas to the table who I feel have a larger contribution to the task. In this particular task two of the other members were extrovert and the remaining three were more introvert building quietly on the ideas offered. I understand that as an extrovert person I must be sensitive of those less at ease of contributing, I therefore continually try to include and motivate the quieter members asking if they had any ideas or anything they would like to add, or whether they thought our ideas are good.
Tackling the issues we encountered:
It was evident that one group member wanted to complete aspects of the task alone; however we avoided this emphasising that it is a group task. Understandably, people prefer to work alone and often work better alone, and in this case I would suggest that by choice they work alone on aspects of the task to their taste but bring the ideas to the team who can then develop upon them.
In addition, one other group member lacks motivation and leaves things to the last minute. We must accept that this is her style and motivate the member to develop her work gradually rather than leaving it to the last minute. We ensured that this was the case by organising weekly meetings at an arranged permanent slot in our timetable that suited every team member. All the team members were dedicated and consistent at attending the meetings which then motivated the less motivated member to also attend and contribute to the task.
How to get things done? – Motivation and dedication!
As previously mentioned we set aside a specific time for our group meetings which ensured that we completed our campaign and developed our pitch in time for the deadline. At the end of each meeting we discussed what would be completed in the meeting next week. All members were flexible on the length of the meeting depending on what needed completed, we all dedicated the afternoon for our group work no matter how long the tasks took.
To begin the task we discussed what aspects needed included, what we needed to research and what we wanted to pay special attention to. Our group benefited hugely from brainstorming and taking turns to type recording our ideas as we discussed them. We ‘bashed things out’ where everyone’s opinion was offered to the table and we later drew rational conclusions and developed them.
To keep all the members motivated and continually thinking about the task we set up a group email and we would add any ideas that we may have thought of during the day. By reminding the members of the task meant that we would subconsciously think about task and therefore become inspired and draw ideas from everyday life. Furthermore, it is beneficial to practise using the technique of email when working within a group as Pr practitioners use internal emails everyday as a form of communication in their job.
What needed improved?
Our team would have benefited to a bigger variety of people including more thought orientated roles rather than more active of people orientated roles. Apart from this, all the members worked well together and got on well.
PR and Reputation.
What is the blog all about??
My name is Janey Spratt, I am an enthusiastic PR student who wishes to peruse a career in Public relations. Currently in second year at ‘The University of Lincoln’ Studying a joint honours in ‘Media, Culture, Communication and PR’ with a particular interest in Public Relations. The previous semester involved the module ‘Managing PR’. For assessment we were given the task to work in a team to create a PR campaign and pitch it to the remaining seminar students. This blog will question what makes the perfect dream team?? Drawing conclusions on how effectively our team worked together to achieve the task and what I personally bring to a team??
Reputation, Reputation, Reputation!!! - PR is all about REPUTATION!
When a company chooses to employ a PR agency they will research the agencies profile and previous clients and campaigns (reputation) before agreeing to work with them. A PR agency must therefore have a good track record of providing a successful service and delivering on what they say that they will. A PR company creates a PR campaign that will suit the particular client using a team of qualified individuals; they must meet the needs of the client and create chemistry between the client and the agency (Deo T 2003:15). Similarly, chemistry must exist between the employee and an employer this ensures that the individual will be able to work effectively in the company correctly understanding the company’s standard and personality and working in a way that compliments this. An employer can teach an employee their business but they cannot teach them attitude or desire (Love 2009).
Managing Relationships is vital! - A PR practitioner must be fluent in managing and maintaining a variety of relationships.
Relationships with whom??
- Team members, a PR practitioner must be able to maintain relationships with other members of their team who they are working with on the campaign and pitch. It is vital that they know how to manage different personalities and how to compliment their style in a way that will create the most effective results. It is vital that the PR team has a good connection as they will be presenting themselves to a client. If members of the PR team cannot work together it will be nearly impossible for the team to present a good image to the client and work most effectively to achieve their goals.
-The client, the agency must build and maintain a healthy relationship with the client. The agency must be aware of the needs of the client and understand the company’s profile and personality thoroughly so that they can pitch a campaign towards them that will meet these needs.
- Journalists, ‘Public Relations people need journalist but journalists do not need Public Relations people’ (Davis 2004:166). Maintaining a healthy relationship with journalists is therefore essential. PR practitioners need to know journalists needs and wants e.g. don’t waste journalist’s time and give them useful information.
Belbin….who is Belbin??
Public Relations rely heavily on the ability of individuals to work efficiently in a team this involves managing relationships and knowing how to accept different personality types and how you can work effectively with them. The ‘Belbin theory’ indentifies different team roles based on behaviour and interpersonal skills. These roles are:
Action Orientated roles:
Shapers: Those who challenge to improve the team. They are dynamic, energetic, active and extrovert.
Weakness: Can be argumentative or insensitive.
Implementer: Those who get things done, well organised and predictable. They take basic ideas and put them into practise. Conservative, efficient, reliable and disciplined people who work systematically.
Weakness: Can be inflexible, resistant to change, slow.
Completer/Finisher: Reliable member who sees things through to the end paying attention to detail. Concerned with deadlines.
Weakness: Can worry unnecessarily and not trust others, they find it hard to delegate.
People Orientated roles:
Co-ordinator: Respected leader, guide team to focus on their task. Excellent listeners who are calm, good natured and delegate tasks very effectively.
Weakness: May delegate too much or can be controlling or manipulative.
Team worker: Good listener and offers support, ensures the team is working together by resolving social issues. A negotiator; flexible, diplomatic, popular and a capable person.
Weakness: May be indecisive.
Resource/ Investigator: Explores new ideas and options. They are innovative, curious and energetic. A good networker, enthusiastic, outgoing and extroverted.
Weakness: May loose enthusiasm quickly, and are often overly enthusiastic.
Thought Orientated Roles:
Plant: Solves difficult problems with original and creative ideas. They thrive on praise but they find it hard to deal with criticism.
Weakness: Introverted people who often prefer to work alone. Can be a poor communicator and may ignore the details.
Monitor/ Evaluator: Analyses and evaluates peoples ideas. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons of all the options before coming to a decision. Critical thinker and strategic.
Weakness: May lack energy or ability to inspire others.
Specialist: Has expert knowledge in key areas that is needed to get the job done. They commit themselves fully to their area of expertise.
Weakness: Can be disinterested in other areas and can limit their contribution, they are pre-occupied at the expense of the bigger picture.
(http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/belbin.htm)
(http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_83.htm)
My Role??
According to the Belbin test my main role in a team is the co-ordinator and a shaper. However, from the results it is evident that I am also a Team Worker and a completer/ Finisher.
What does the say about my personality??
My two main roles: co-ordinator and Shaper suggests that I have an action and people orientated role. Learning that these are my team roles was not surprising as I was able to draw comparisons from these roles and my lifestyle and social life. In life, I thrive on being sociable and maintaining a number of friendships, I am outgoing and enjoy a challenge with great ambition and passion in life continually motivating myself to reach my goals, for example furthering myself in my career or towards my biggest passion in life - travel.
The role of a ‘shaper’ might suggest that I could be insensitive towards other team members; I did not feel that this was true of my team personality. However, it is also suggested that I am a co-ordinator which indicates that I help everyone focus on their task. I believe that I am sensitive to quieter members of teams and try to involve them and encourage their contribution. Naturally and socially I am a leader who is an active doer, once I receive a task I like to get stuck into it.
Different personality and working styles...FRUSTRATION!
My course involves a huge range and amount of group work; consequently I have found myself on numerous occasions very frustrated! Almost every group work task I have found myself frustrated by members with either a lack of motivation or lack of ability. Rather than getting angry and taking it out on the members aggressively I have learnt how to tolerate the issue, it is vital to recognise their ability and what they can potentially offer to the group, each group member is unique. Previous issues have been tackled by working strategically to solve them and developing poor standard work to a higher standard by motivating and helping the weaker group member and adding to their ideas in a tactful manner. It is obvious that pursuing a career in PR means that I will be regularly working with groups of people ranging in ability and skill. As a result, frustration is something that I will have to learn to deal with! And even more importantly learn how to work successfully with team members who acquire different working styles and personalities.
My name is Janey Spratt, I am an enthusiastic PR student who wishes to peruse a career in Public relations. Currently in second year at ‘The University of Lincoln’ Studying a joint honours in ‘Media, Culture, Communication and PR’ with a particular interest in Public Relations. The previous semester involved the module ‘Managing PR’. For assessment we were given the task to work in a team to create a PR campaign and pitch it to the remaining seminar students. This blog will question what makes the perfect dream team?? Drawing conclusions on how effectively our team worked together to achieve the task and what I personally bring to a team??
Reputation, Reputation, Reputation!!! - PR is all about REPUTATION!
When a company chooses to employ a PR agency they will research the agencies profile and previous clients and campaigns (reputation) before agreeing to work with them. A PR agency must therefore have a good track record of providing a successful service and delivering on what they say that they will. A PR company creates a PR campaign that will suit the particular client using a team of qualified individuals; they must meet the needs of the client and create chemistry between the client and the agency (Deo T 2003:15). Similarly, chemistry must exist between the employee and an employer this ensures that the individual will be able to work effectively in the company correctly understanding the company’s standard and personality and working in a way that compliments this. An employer can teach an employee their business but they cannot teach them attitude or desire (Love 2009).
Managing Relationships is vital! - A PR practitioner must be fluent in managing and maintaining a variety of relationships.
Relationships with whom??
- Team members, a PR practitioner must be able to maintain relationships with other members of their team who they are working with on the campaign and pitch. It is vital that they know how to manage different personalities and how to compliment their style in a way that will create the most effective results. It is vital that the PR team has a good connection as they will be presenting themselves to a client. If members of the PR team cannot work together it will be nearly impossible for the team to present a good image to the client and work most effectively to achieve their goals.
-The client, the agency must build and maintain a healthy relationship with the client. The agency must be aware of the needs of the client and understand the company’s profile and personality thoroughly so that they can pitch a campaign towards them that will meet these needs.
- Journalists, ‘Public Relations people need journalist but journalists do not need Public Relations people’ (Davis 2004:166). Maintaining a healthy relationship with journalists is therefore essential. PR practitioners need to know journalists needs and wants e.g. don’t waste journalist’s time and give them useful information.
Belbin….who is Belbin??
Public Relations rely heavily on the ability of individuals to work efficiently in a team this involves managing relationships and knowing how to accept different personality types and how you can work effectively with them. The ‘Belbin theory’ indentifies different team roles based on behaviour and interpersonal skills. These roles are:
Action Orientated roles:
Shapers: Those who challenge to improve the team. They are dynamic, energetic, active and extrovert.
Weakness: Can be argumentative or insensitive.
Implementer: Those who get things done, well organised and predictable. They take basic ideas and put them into practise. Conservative, efficient, reliable and disciplined people who work systematically.
Weakness: Can be inflexible, resistant to change, slow.
Completer/Finisher: Reliable member who sees things through to the end paying attention to detail. Concerned with deadlines.
Weakness: Can worry unnecessarily and not trust others, they find it hard to delegate.
People Orientated roles:
Co-ordinator: Respected leader, guide team to focus on their task. Excellent listeners who are calm, good natured and delegate tasks very effectively.
Weakness: May delegate too much or can be controlling or manipulative.
Team worker: Good listener and offers support, ensures the team is working together by resolving social issues. A negotiator; flexible, diplomatic, popular and a capable person.
Weakness: May be indecisive.
Resource/ Investigator: Explores new ideas and options. They are innovative, curious and energetic. A good networker, enthusiastic, outgoing and extroverted.
Weakness: May loose enthusiasm quickly, and are often overly enthusiastic.
Thought Orientated Roles:
Plant: Solves difficult problems with original and creative ideas. They thrive on praise but they find it hard to deal with criticism.
Weakness: Introverted people who often prefer to work alone. Can be a poor communicator and may ignore the details.
Monitor/ Evaluator: Analyses and evaluates peoples ideas. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons of all the options before coming to a decision. Critical thinker and strategic.
Weakness: May lack energy or ability to inspire others.
Specialist: Has expert knowledge in key areas that is needed to get the job done. They commit themselves fully to their area of expertise.
Weakness: Can be disinterested in other areas and can limit their contribution, they are pre-occupied at the expense of the bigger picture.
(http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/belbin.htm)
(http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_83.htm)
My Role??
According to the Belbin test my main role in a team is the co-ordinator and a shaper. However, from the results it is evident that I am also a Team Worker and a completer/ Finisher.
What does the say about my personality??
My two main roles: co-ordinator and Shaper suggests that I have an action and people orientated role. Learning that these are my team roles was not surprising as I was able to draw comparisons from these roles and my lifestyle and social life. In life, I thrive on being sociable and maintaining a number of friendships, I am outgoing and enjoy a challenge with great ambition and passion in life continually motivating myself to reach my goals, for example furthering myself in my career or towards my biggest passion in life - travel.
The role of a ‘shaper’ might suggest that I could be insensitive towards other team members; I did not feel that this was true of my team personality. However, it is also suggested that I am a co-ordinator which indicates that I help everyone focus on their task. I believe that I am sensitive to quieter members of teams and try to involve them and encourage their contribution. Naturally and socially I am a leader who is an active doer, once I receive a task I like to get stuck into it.
Different personality and working styles...FRUSTRATION!
My course involves a huge range and amount of group work; consequently I have found myself on numerous occasions very frustrated! Almost every group work task I have found myself frustrated by members with either a lack of motivation or lack of ability. Rather than getting angry and taking it out on the members aggressively I have learnt how to tolerate the issue, it is vital to recognise their ability and what they can potentially offer to the group, each group member is unique. Previous issues have been tackled by working strategically to solve them and developing poor standard work to a higher standard by motivating and helping the weaker group member and adding to their ideas in a tactful manner. It is obvious that pursuing a career in PR means that I will be regularly working with groups of people ranging in ability and skill. As a result, frustration is something that I will have to learn to deal with! And even more importantly learn how to work successfully with team members who acquire different working styles and personalities.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
