Project MMS (Meeting Management Simulation)

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Directions for observers (2)

Try to identify the category of the roles people play:

Task Roles

These roles help to get the job done. They often appear to need tough and single minded people in them. They relate to the rationale (life of the group)
Maintenance Roles

These roles provide the ‘oil’ for the machinery. They look after the emotional life of the group, help make it work, consider the needs of individuals. They open up the channels of communication.

Try to identify Task Roles

Initiator

 Start things off; or helps change direction. Initially often the leader.

Clarifier

 Takes individual contributions and clarifies them - encourages people to be specific "are you saying that ...", "it seems to me what you are saying is ..."

Information giver

 Gives or volunteers to find out certain information. It may relate to the exact structure of the task.

Questioner

 Asks fundamental questions about the task of the group. Main factor is the ability to step back from what is going on and challenge assumptions.

Summariser

 Does not add anything (or much) but provides the facility of checking what has been achieved. Provides breathing space. Can be a formal role in a group.

Try to identify Maintenance Roles

Supporter

 Provides warmth to individuals "yes, I think that’s a good point", "that was really helpful" etc. Non-verbal support - a mistake to see these as non-contributors.

The joker

 Allows the group to let off steam.

Sharing experience

 "That happened to me" - helps breakthrough to the personal level.

Process observer

 Often shows himself when the group gets stuck. Helps unblock group dynamics.

Source

http://www.srds.co.uk/cedtraining/handouts/hand37.htm