A520.6.5.RB - Shuck, Allison

Team Roles

According to Whetten & Cameron (2011), there are two types of roles that exist to enhance team performance”, those roles are: task-facilitating and relationship-building.

Task-facilitating roles, are roles used to help a team or group accomplish its desired objectives. For example: one could, seek information, elaborate on an idea, analysis a process, and/or provide direction to the team. All of these roles, are an important aspect of team performance. Task-facilitating roles are meant to help a team or group work more efficiently and effectively. “Without having a least one team member displaying task-facilitating behaviors, teams tend to take longer to achieve their objectives and have difficulty staying focused” (Whetten & Cameron, 2011, Pg. 514).

Relationship-building roles, on the other hand, are roles designed to build and / or enhance interpersonal relations between and among team members. Essentially, relationship-building roles are meant to dissolve disagreement, reduce tension and assist in the development of interpersonal relationships. For example: one could, be supportive, create harmony, be energizing, relieve tension, build consensus, and/or empathize with the team. Each of these roles are meant to help team members feel good about one another. When members of a team actively engage with one another, the chemistry of the team improves and so does the team’s performance.

In a team, I believe that is it important to establish and maintain a balance between both task-facilitating and relationship-building roles; for without balance, teams cannot perform efficiently or effectively.  Certain team members (leaders) must ensure that roles are assigned and performed appropriately, while other team members ensure that the team is bonding together interpersonally.

As a member of the financial aid team, I strive to ensure collaboration and cohesion between and among team members. One of my goals is to dissolve inner office conflicts and encourage team participation. I pride myself on making each member of the financial aid team feel important. I want each of them to know that they are valued and that I am here for them if they ever need anything.