Belbin Business Director Jo Keeler outlines her plans for 2013…
“After working at Belbin for almost 12 years you would think that this Belbin stuff was second nature by now. For the most part it is as we have spent time building a balanced team (‘I should think so too’ I hear you cry). However, theory doesn’t always translate easily into practice. When times are busy and deadlines are tight sometimes we (OK, I) get too involved and focussed on goals, and the ‘people factor’ gets waylaid.
As Meredith states: ‘No-one’s perfect, but a team could be’ (if managed properly)! So, my Belbin New Year Resolutions for 2013 are:
- To use the team effectively – delegate work according to the strengths of the team. Although I hate to admit it, they are often better at most things, especially where attention to detail is concerned…
- Not to avoid work just because it means using one of my ‘bottom’ Team Role behaviours – if it needs to be done, it needs to be done! If no-one else is available to proof read a web-page, then I need to get in to the ‘Completer Finisher zone’ and reassure myself that the pain won’t last for long.
- To delegate not only the task, but the responsibility too. A sense of ownership allows people to flourish and can make a real difference.
- Communication, communication, communication. In general, we’re not too keen on meetings, but this year I will ensure that we have at least one per month. Team members need to talk to one another – the technical department need to know what the customers are asking for, the trainers to understand any report changes, and customer support needs to be aware of any marketing campaigns!
So, have you thought of how you can make your team more effective in 2013? We look forward to hearing your New Year Resolutions!
