Step 1:
Ideas Person 4
Leader 6
Compromiser 11
Summariser 5
Recorder 7
Encourager 7
Step 2:
The “Team working skills” inventory on The University of Kent Career and Employability website is a questionnaire composed of 28 questions about team interaction situations. Each question is answered on a Likert scale from “rarely” to “always.” Respondents are asked to answer questions honestly in order for scores to reflect how they demonstrate behaviours of each of the included seven group roles. The website explains, “These roles are not always constant - one person might adopt several of these roles during one meeting or change roles depending on what is being discussed” (“Teamworking Skills”).
According to the results of my “Team working skills” inventory, I score highest in the roles that use my strengths in compromise, encouragement of others, and keeping the group focused. My highest score is as a compromiser, and I believe this is the natural role I take in group tasks. I try to make sure that everyone feels included and comfortable, even if it means that I have to step back in order for the group to reach consensus. I do not enjoy conflict between group members, and I am comfortable in diverse groups. I try to maintain a positive attitude and I am very sensitive to the feelings of others. I also try to include group members who are not contributing vocally by asking what they think of the issue at hand (“Teamworking Skills”).
My scores also indicate that I am a strong encourager and recorder. These assets illustrate my tendency towards group harmony and positivity. I tend to demonstrate the traits of an encourager by supporting and acknowledging the contributions of all group members, so they feel they are being heard. This also helps to ensure that their opinions and positions are clear to the group. I like to make sure that the group is moving forward, and may offer to take notes for a team meeting, in order to ensure that all opinions and decisions are recorded and understood. As part of my inclination towards organization, I also try to ensure that the responsibilities of each of the team members are understood and clear for everyone (“Teamworking Skills”). Part of this propensity is probably a result of feeling misunderstood or unclear regarding my own responsibilities in team interactions when I was younger.
My lowest score in the inventory was as an ideas person. I do not often suggest ideas that are radical, when there are a number of logical options already presented. I think that I am a skilled problem solver, but presenting new ideas often moves further from consensus and creates a greater conflict between team members, which makes me uncomfortable. I also scored low on the scales for the roles of evaluator and summariser. This was surprising to me, because I am often the logical and analytical group member in decision-making tasks, which are features of the evaluator, and calm and reflective, which are features of the summariser (“Teamworking skills”). I also tend to mediate and seek consensus, but that may be to reduce conflict and push the progress of problem-solving forward. Perhaps I need to work more on developing innovative solutions that others have not yet considered and accept that conflict is a natural part of team dynamics. There is also room for me to improve my leadership skills. I do believe that I am adept at recognizing the potential of others, but I do not usually become impatient or overreact. Again, due to previous experiences, I often see those who take a leadership role as bullies who try to control the team process and I am not naturally outgoing. I must work to develop my skills to control situations and coordinate resources.
Overall, the Teamworking Skills Inventory provided a quick and accurate explanation of the dimensions of each of the seven group roles and my inclination towards them. I think this tool could be beneficial in the future when trying to create effective and balanced work teams in my career.
References
“Teamworking Skills." How to Assess Your Group Work Skills. University of Kent Careers and Employability Service, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2016.
