Handout 1: TASK ROLES
What’s your ROLE on staff and in meetings?
Time to hypothesize your ‘inner script’
Look at the TASK ROLE descriptions below. Rank them in order from 1 to 10. Assign a 10 to the
TASK ROLE you know you’d definitely assume. Place a 1 next to the TASK ROLE you would
never assume. As best you can, prioritize these from 10 to 1 by writing a number in each box.
The INITIATOR introduces new ideas
to the group. Develops a reputation for
often having a novel point of view
concerning problems, goals, or
solutions.
The INFORMATION SEEKER asks for
clarification, for themselves and for
others, about the issue being
discussed. A critical thinker.
The OPINION SEEKER also asks for
clarification but it’s more connected to
the values and feelings of the group
and how outcomes might affect them.
The INFORMATION GIVER offers the
facts which are authoritative and often
relate to their own experience.
The OPINION GIVER states their belief The ELABORATOR revisits and spells
about the suggestion made. The
out previous suggestions trying to
emphasis is on what they believes
assist group cohesion.
should happen, not so much on the
facts.
The COORDINATOR tries to pull ideas
together so they’re understood by the
group. They may even initiate the
people into sub-groups.
The ENERGIZER prods the group to
action and stimulates ‘higher quality’
activity.
The PROCEDURAL TECHNICIAN
expedites group movement by doing
things for the group, e.g. passing out
materials or setting up chairs.
The RECORDER writes down
suggestions, and fills the role of "group
memory."
Handout 2: MAINTENANCE ROLES
What’s your ROLE on staff and in meetings?
Time to hypothesize your ‘inner script’
Look at the MAINTENANCE descriptions below. Rank them in order from 1 to 8. Assign an 8 to
the MAINTENANCE you know you’d definitely assume. Place a 1 next to the task role you would
never assume. As best you can, prioritize these from 8 to 1 by writing a number in each box.
The ENCOURAGER praises, agrees
with, and accepts the contribution of
the others. Provides warmth, solidarity
and praise.
The HARMONIZER is busy mediating
the differences between staff members,
attempts to reconcile disagreements
and relieves tension through good
hearted jokes, a soothing attitude,
kindness etc.
The COMPROMISER deals with a
difference of opinions or conflict by
offering compromise, by giving in, or
admitting their error to maintain
harmony.
The GATE-KEEPER keeps
communication open by encouraging
the participation of others. They will
say, "we haven’t got the ideas of so
and so yet" or "why don’t we limit the
length of our contributions so that
everyone will have a chance to
contribute?"
The STANDARD SETTER conveys
standards they think are right for the
group. These standards usually apply
to the quality of the group process, or
set limits on acceptable individual
behaviour.
The GROUP OBSERVER keeps
records of the group process and feeds
the data back to the group for
evaluation.
The SUMMARIZER defines the
position of the group, summarizing
what has occurred and raises
questions about the direction the group
discussion is taking.
The REALITY TESTER specialises in
appraising the accomplishment of the
group. They question the "practicality,"
the "logic," the "facts," or the
"procedure" trying to keep the group
honest.
Handout 3: BLOCKING ROLES
What’s your ROLE on staff and in meetings?
Time to hypothesize your ‘inner script’
Look at the BLOCKING ROLE descriptions below. Rank them in order from 1 to 8. Assign an 8
to the BLOCKING ROLE you think you are most likely to assume. Place a 1 next to the
BLOCKING ROLE you least likely assume. As best you can, prioritize these from 8 to 1 by
writing a number in each box.
The AGGRESSOR devalues the status
of others, expresses disapproval,
attacks the group or the problem at
hand, may joke aggressively showing
envy toward another’s contribution by
trying to take credit for it.
The BLOCKER is plainly negative.
They stubbornly resist and disagree
without "reason".
The RECOGNITION-SEEKER works
to call attention to themselves. It may
be through boasting, retelling personal
achievements, acting in unusual ways,
saying things to prevent being placed
in an "inferior" position.
The SELF-CONFESSOR uses the
group to express personal, non- group
oriented "feelings," "insights,"
"ideologies," etc.
The ATTENTION-GRABBER makes a
grand display of his or her lack of
involvement in the group’s processes.
This may take the form of cynicism,
indifference, being funny, and with of
“left-of-field" comments and behaviour.
Comments are usually all about them!
The DOMINATOR asserts their
authority or superiority. They
manipulate the group, or vulnerable
members of the group. Domination
may take the form of flattery, of
asserting a superior status, giving
authoritative directions and interrupting
the contributions of others.
The HELP-SEEKER calls for a
"sympathy" response from group
members. This may be through
expressions of insecurity, personal
confusion or depreciation of
themselves beyond "reason."
The SPECIAL INTEREST PLEADER
speaks from "grass roots" or the “socalled authentic point of view” In doing
so they tend to cloak their own biases
and use the stereotype which best fits
his individual needs.