Transcript:
Group Member Roles
Individual members take on various roles in every group. Positive group dynamics can be created when group members have specific roles:
A compromiser works to find an acceptable solution for all group members, even if it means changing his or her position for the good of the group.
The encourager is an informal role who is positive and influences others to be positive when challenges occur. Groups can benefit from someone who is always positive. This role is sometimes referred to as the optimist.
An explorer is often searching for new or better ways of approaching a situation. A person in this role often experiments with new strategies to see if they will yield better results.
The information seeker looks for confirmation and clarification of information and facts. Additionally, this person will determine what information is missing and necessary to continue moving forward.
An initiator is someone who suggests new ideas or different ways to approach a situation. This person often initiates conversation within the group.
An innovator uses their imagination to create new solutions based on their observations of the situation. Innovators take on a radical approach to problem solving and are able to view a situation from alternative perspectives.
The leader helps the group work through each step of completing a task to come up with a solution. Responsibilities may include preparing the agenda for each meeting, keeping group members on task, staying focused on the group’s purpose or goal, and reporting the progress of the group to others.
A prioritizer is someone who works to keep the group focused on important issues, rather than getting lost in insignificant details.
The recorder takes down notes of the discussion during brainstorming, attends to the agenda and records each item as it is addressed, and quotes group members, but does not edit or evaluate group member thoughts.
A spokesperson is someone who represents and speaks for the group. This person is responsible for communicating about the group and its goals to people outside of the group.
The summarizer compiles the discussions and decisions made in order to define the group’s position. This person will often identify when the group is straying from the goals and directions that were previously agreed on.
A timekeeper is mindful of the time as the group works through the task at hand. It is easy to get sidetracked while discussing issues. The timekeeper watches the clock to make sure meetings start and end on time.