Like most people I do not think I am a natural born leader;
in fact it’s not even a role that I actively seek out but somehow end up doing
when in group situations. Many people
tend not to want to take control; they fear offending others and sometime lack
the confidence to confront difficult situations and people. So if I am not a
leader what would type of role would I prefer?
Being social and fairly outgoing (I do have moments of total
introversion where everyone and the world are locked out); the first role that
comes to mind is that of the Resource Investigator (Belbin 2013), an idea’s
person. As the role suggests I like to
explore the opportunities that come my way, whether they be personal or
professional. I do this by talking to
people and getting them to talk about their points of view, listening to what
they say, taking an interest in them.
Sometimes thought this isn’t easy, and it like talking to a post, as no
matter what you try they just clam up and withdraw. This normally happens in competition type
situations where the other party has just realised that I am trying to work out
their strategies for whatever is happening competition wise.
When I find a project that I am really excited about my
enthusiasm can carry me away, and I have to realise that not everyone maybe as
excited as I am about the project. I
always hope that my enthusiasm will spill over to others, so I will have
someone that feels just like I do, and are prepared to put their heart and soul
into the project along with me. And also
that when my first flush of enthusiasm wanes, theirs will then lift me up, and
excite me once again. It always to helps
to find that person especially if other are just more oh-hum about what is
happening, and I try not to let them drain my enthusiasm and excitement.
In the past I suggested a work social team, as it had been
noted that office was somewhat lacking in a happy jovial atmosphere. My idea was that each person would organise a
different social event or activity for the office as a whole, and I had
suggestions coming out of my ears so to speak.
So I was duly appointed by our General Manager to organise the first
event, which had to be based in the office (it was just prior to Easter). I decided that an Easter egg hunt would just
be the ticket. I organised clues, teams
and nice chocolatey surprise at the end.
While most of the company caught the buzz (only one was not really
invested and he was excused on age), and raced around the office looking and
trying decipher clues to find the end hiding spot (there where a few red
herring along the way). In the end
everyone got at least one Easter egg to take home, and a lot to eat during the
rest of the day. After this initial rush
of enthusiasm and I handed it over to others to take the lead and organise more
events, while I sat back and basked in a happy sugar laden glow.
References:
Belbin Associates. (2015). Belbin Team Roles. Retrieved from:
http://www.belbin.com/about/belbin-team-roles/
References:
Belbin Associates. (2015). Belbin Team Roles. Retrieved from:
http://www.belbin.com/about/belbin-team-roles/
3 comments:
Patience and being a good listener are truly valuable attributes in team work. I appreciate enthusiasm and efforts to create a positive working atmosphere in team-mates, even if the assigned teamwork is less than exciting, because it stimulates the flow of ideas and gets the motivation up! I like the easter egg hunt anecdote you describe, it sounds like an excellent way to initiate enthusiasm when no one else feels up to it.
One year our social organiser dressed as a bunny to deliver eggs. The whole bunny with eggs thing seems really odd when I think about it.
Resource Investigator, yes, definitely I agree with that role for you. From what I have seen, you work well with others, and have plenty of contacts that have proved useful to our team so far. Feeling enthusiastic about something, and been hit with a wet blanket from others, is most certainly a dampener to the spirits, but it is those with ideas and enthusiasm that create the energy to drive others - even in egg hunts!
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