Unit 2: Group Roles Many problems in groups stem from the individual members themselves. Specific problems, particularly talking too much or not at all - often arise from anxiety and misunderstanding. But we all have strengths to contribute to the success of any group and weaknesses that we need to be aware of. Try the exercise that follows to learn more about your potential strengths and weaknesses in any group. Personality and Group Roles You may remember from Section 2 of the Trans:it Project that you completed a Myers-Briggs Personality Type exercise to identify your career strengths. But you can also use the same exercise to help you to clarify what your strengths and weaknesses may be in any group or team. Even if you completed the exercise before in Section 2, it is worth going over it again as it does not take long to get a personality type profile. Alternatively, you can use the profile you obtained before, in which case you can go straight to the group roles summary at the end of this Unit. The exercise they designed is built on the theory that there are sixteen different personality types and every person fits into one of these. This is not to say that there are just sixteen patterns of expected behaviour and response to situations, but that people identify significantly with one main personality type. The Myers-Briggs theory is built on four basic aspects of human personality: How we interact with the world and where we direct our energy The kind of information we naturally notice How we make decisions And whether we prefer to live in a more structured way or in a more spontaneous way. Myers-Briggs assert that everyone will incline to one end of a spectrum of response to each of these four basic aspects of personality: How we interact with the world and where we direct our energy: 1
(E) Extroversion------------------------------------------- Introversion (I) The kind of information we naturally notice: (S) Sensing----------------------------------------------------- Intuition(N) How we make decisions: (T) Thinking-----------------------------------------------------Feeling (F) Whether we prefer to live in a more structured way (making decisions) or in a more spontaneous way (taking in information): (J) Judging--------------------------------------------------- Perceiving (P) The theory assumes that everyone s preference of response will fall on one side or the other of the midpoint on each of these four scales. This can result in a profile for yourself that falls into one of sixteen possible combinations: ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ ISTP ISFP INFP INTP ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ Each of these sixteen types can result in a preference and predisposition to respond in a particular way to situations, although these are not carved in stone people can and do behave in often surprising and unexpected ways to situations. The exercise that follows will help you identify to which of these sixteen types you belong. 1. Extroversion and Introversion Where, primarily, do you direct your energy? To the outer world of activity, and spoken words or To the inner world of thoughts and emotions? 2
If it is toward the outer world of activity or words, it is called Extroversion, denoted by the letter E. If it is toward the inner world of ideas, information, or thoughts, it is called Introversion, denoted by the letter I. Extro- is a prefix meaning 'without' and Intro- is a prefix meaning 'within'. Most people think that extroverted means talkative and introverted means shy or reserved. But this is a very simplistic way of looking at these two dimensions During each day you will undoubtedly spend time spontaneously doing or saying things, as well as retreating into the inner world of contemplation and thought. If your working day has involved much interaction with the world, even the clearest Extrovert may feel at the end of the day that he or she wants to be left alone with his thoughts. Conversely, if an Introvert has been working in isolation all day, he or she may feel that she needs to socialise in the evening to restore some balance. You, like every other individual, need to find a particular balance of both introversion and extroversion. However, laying aside special circumstances like those in the previous paragraph, generally introverts enjoy spending time alone to recharge their batteries, whilst the reverse is true for extroverts. Some general points about extroverts and introverts: Extroverts: Energised by being with others Introverts: Energised by spending time alone Often thinks out aloud Inclined to think things through without speech Shares personal feelings easily More private with their feelings So on balance do you think you incline more to: E or I? Write which letter you incline to in this box: 3
2. The Kind of Information We Naturally Notice How do you prefer to process information: in the form of known facts and familiar terms, or in the form of possibilities or new potential? Some people focus on what is, whilst others focus on what could be. If it is in the form of facts or familiar terms, it is called Sensing, denoted by the letter S. If it is in the form of possibilities or new potential, it is called intuition, denoted by the letter N (N is used rather than I, to avoid confusion with Introversion). The term Sensing is used because information is taken in primarily by way of the senses. The term intuition is used because information is perceived primarily in an intuitive fashion. Sensing types tend to be interested in tangible reality, focusing on the present, and seeing what is, rather than what might be. At an extreme, Sensing types can have their feet so well and truly on the ground that they miss out on possibilities for the future. The preference for intuition suggests a greater emphasis on insight and the future, focusing on what might be, rather than what is. At an extreme, intuition types can focus so much on possibilities that they lose touch with current realities. Sensing types tend to communicate in direct ways, whilst intuition types prefer to communicate in creative ways. Sensing: Trusts what is certain and concrete Likes new ideas only if they are practical intuition: Trusts instinct, inspiration and inference Likes new ideas for their own sake Values realism and common sense Values imagination and innovation Likes to use established skills Likes to learn new skills Presents information in a step-by-step way Gets bored easily after mastering new skills 4
Good at noting and remembering facts Best at interpreting facts It can be hard sometimes to decide which side we are on with this particular element as people are often a mixture of the two but again, it is about deciding which side generally we are inclined to. So on balance do you think you incline more to: S or N? Write which letter you incline to in this box: 3. How We Make Decisions How do you prefer to make decisions? On the basis of logic and objective considerations? or On the basis of personal values? If it is on the basis of logic and objective considerations, it is called Thinking, denoted by the letter T. If it is on the basis of personal values, it is called Feeling, denoted by the letter F. Thinking types prefer decisions that make sense logically. They pride themselves on their ability to be objective and analytical. They make decisions by analysing and weighing the evidence, even if it means coming to unpleasant conclusions. Feeling types make decisions based on how much they care or what they feel is right. They pride themselves on their ability to be compassionate in their judgements. The terms thinking and feeling carry certain connotations. In Western culture, for example, there is a strong gender bias to certain types of behaviour. Men may feel they should choose thinking, even though their instincts draw them to feeling. Conversely, women may be more inclined instinctively to the thinking type, but socialised to feel they should opt for the feeling category. 5
Thinking: Steps back from problems and analyses them Feeling: Thinks hard about effects of decisions on individuals Truth more important than tact and can take a hard line when necessary Generally likes to satisfy or please others Strong motivation to achieve Will look for compromises Trusts feelings only if they are logical Believes feelings important in decision making So on balance do you think you incline more to: T or F? Write which letter you incline to in this box: 4. The Way We Organise Our Lives How do you prefer to organise your life? In a structured way, making decisions and knowing where you stand or In a flexible way, discovering life as you go along? If it is in a structured way, making decisions and knowing where you stand, then it is called Judgement (J). If it is in a flexible way, discovering life as you go along - this is called Perception (P). Someone whose preference is Judgement prefers, in their lifestyle, to make decisions. This means that they prefer to make decisions about what to do, where to go, what to say, and so on. As a result of these decisions, their lifestyle appears organised. They like to feel they have control over their own bit of life Someone whose preference is Perception prefers, in their lifestyle, to learn or experience new things. This means that they prefer to find out more, rather than 6
making decisions, and are more comfortable when they keep their options open. As a result of this openness they can appear, and feel to be, flexible in outlook and behaviour. An important distinction between Judgement and Perception types is in the issue of closure of decisions. J-type personalities experience tension until a final decision on an issue is made. P-types, however, experience tension when they are forced to make a decision, as they often prefer to keep their options open. Judgement: Happiest after decisions are made Perception: Prefers to leave options open Strong work ethic work first, play later Strong play ethic Sets goals and works toward these Enjoys adapting to new situations Gains satisfaction from finishing projects Enjoys starting new projects Prefers knowing exactly what s involved Copes well with uncertainty So on balance do you think you incline more to: J or P? Write which letter you incline to in this box: 7
Working out your own preference Everyone's personality will reflect all aspects of the Myers Briggs model. You use Extroversion as well as Introversion, Sensing as well as intuition, Thinking as well as Feeling, and Judgement as well as Perception. However, you are likely to have preferences of response to situations that will help you to arrive at your MBTI profile. List the letters you have chosen for each of the four dimensions. Your choice of letters: The combination of letters you have arrived at is our MBTI Personality Type. How do these types connect with the role or roles you might play in a group or team? See the next part of this exercise. 8
Group or Team Roles and MBTI Type This table shows the relationship between team roles and MBTI type; this means the role you are likely to play in any team. Team role Coach MBTI type ESFJ/ENFJ Crusader ISFP/INFP Explorer ENTP/ENFP Innovator INTJ/INFJ Sculptor ESFP/ESTP Curator ISFJ/ISTJ Conductor ESTJ/ENTJ Scientist ISTP/INTP 9
COACH Coaches try to create harmony in the world around them, by building rapport with people, creating a positive team atmosphere, looking after people's welfare, motivating people and/or providing a service to the satisfaction of others. They value people's contributions, seek to develop the role that others play, and invest a lot of effort in building positive relationships. They try to overcome differences of opinion and find ways in which the team can agree. However, they can be easily influenced and may not always be assertive enough to promote their own ideas. They can also be easily discouraged, particularly if their contributions to the group are ignored or rejected. CRUSADER Crusaders give importance to particular thoughts, ideas, or beliefs. They are value driven, and in a team discussion they often bring a sense of priority that is derived from their strong convictions. They seize upon and emphasise ideas or thoughts that have the greatest import, bringing them to the fore and stressing their significance. They assess the inherent value or importance of new ideas, focusing on those about which they feel most strongly. However, their own strong beliefs or values may lead them to distance themselves from, or clash with, others in the group who have contrary beliefs. EXPLORER Explorers promote exploration of new and better ways of doing things, to uncover hidden potential in people, things or situations. They break new ground, and are often looking one step beyond the current situation to pursue unexplored avenues, until all the possibilities have been exhausted. Explorers often challenge the status quo and experiment with the introduction of change, to see if the situation can be improved or new potential uncovered. However, they can get bored easily and may not pay attention to detail, or want to get involved in discussion on small details. INNOVATOR Innovators use their imagination to create new and different ideas and perspectives. They observe the world around them, then use their imaginations to consider what they have observed from a number of different perspectives, and dream up new ideas and insights. Innovators often produce radical solutions to problems, develop long-term vision and demonstrate an apparent understanding of what cannot be clearly known. However, others may see them as up in the clouds and inclined to disregard practical details of protocol. They can also ignore procedure and can be too preoccupied to communicate effectively with other group members. 10
SCULPTOR Sculptors bring things to fruition by getting things done, and getting them done now! They are very action-oriented, dealing with whatever tasks the current situation presents, and spurring others into action as well. They make use of their experience and utilise tools or processes of which they already have knowledge. They try to have an immediate impact on things, injecting a sense of urgency, and aiming to achieve clear goals and tangible results. However, they may be inclined to show their irritation with others, particularly those they feel are not contributing or taking the group task seriously enough. CURATOR Curators bring clarity to the inner world of information, ideas and understanding. They listen, ask questions and absorb information, so that in their mind's eye they can achieve as clear a picture or understanding as is possible. They expand their knowledge and collection of experiences, and also look to the future by envisaging clear goals and clear pathways to achievement of those goals. The focus on clarity also brings greater attention to detail. However, they may not always be responsive to new and unproven ideas and may be inclined to be over-cautious to ideas outside their previous experience. CONDUCTOR Conductors introduce organisation and a logical structure into the way things are done. They organise and systematise the world around them, by establishing appropriate plans, identifying and implementing the correct procedures, and then endeavouring to make sure they are followed. They try to ensure that roles and responsibilities are properly defined and that appropriate resources or skills are available to undertake the work assigned. However, others may perceive them as manipulative or overly bureaucratic, particularly if they try to dominate any group or steer it in a particular direction without proper discussion. SCIENTIST Scientists provide explanation of how and why things happen. They bring structure and organisation into the inner world of ideas and understanding. They analyse things, formulate hypotheses and explanations of how they function, and gather evidence to assess how true those explanations are. They produce mental models that replicate how particular aspects of the world works, and try to understand the full complexity of any situation. However, they may not always work collaboratively with others, preferring instead to work and pursue ideas independently. 11
What is your response to your group role profile? Broadly agree, disagree? What specific strengths do you feel you will bring to any group? Please summarise these in the space below. Your tutor will discuss the results of this exercise with you. Alternatively, you can check the answers yourself in the online tutor guidance notes for this Section and Unit. You can also compare the result of this exercise with another: the Belbin Team Roles exercise. You can complete an online questionnaire found at Belbin End of Unit 2. 12