9 roles to build a well-balanced team

Building a successful team isn't about bringing talented people together; it's about bringing together roles that complement each other in the most productive and beautiful way. The question is: how do you create this puzzle where every piece fits perfectly and works smoothly?

Dr. Meredith Belbin, a famous researcher and management consultant, defines nine clusters of behavioral attributes that lead teams to progress. We inherit this view but want to make minor suggestions and simplify it.

So, what are the roles every team needs? Let's explore nine team portraits that help in building a balanced team.

Leader

Every team needs a leader to guide the way. This person takes charge, sets the vision, and ensures everyone is aligned with the team’s goals. A good leader inspires trust, motivates team members, and keeps everyone focused on the bigger picture.

Can be recognized for

Making decisions.
Being driven by motivation.
Communicating clearly.

✍️

Impact. Without a strong leader, teams can lose direction. A good leader keeps everyone on the same page and pushes the team to achieve its best.

Planner

The planner is the team's organizer, the one who sets deadlines, coordinates schedules, and ensures the team stays on track. They make sure the project runs smoothly by creating clear plans and timelines.

Can be recognized for

Time management.
Organization.
Attention to detail.

✍️

Impact. Projects can quickly become chaotic without proper planning. A planner helps everyone know what's coming next, setting frameworks and responsibilities, reducing confusion and keeping stress levels low.

Communicator

This is the person who ensures everyone is in the loop. They're great at listening, explaining things clearly, and making sure messages don't get lost in translation. The communicator is often the glue that holds the team together, especially when working remotely.

Can be recognized for

Active listening.
Empathy.
Clarity in communication.

✍️

Impact. A breakdown in communication can derail projects. The communicator better interaction by preventing misunderstandings and keeps collaboration running smoothly.

Innovator

This is the creative thinker on the team. They come up with fresh ideas, solve problems creatively, and think outside the box. This role is essential for teams that want to stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve.

Can be recognized for

Creativity.
Problem-solving.
Open-mindedness.

✍️

Impact. Staying innovative is always important. The innovator helps the team find new ways to tackle challenges and keep projects fresh.

Analyst

Every team needs someone who's great with data, research, and analyzing information. The analyst digs into the numbers, spots trends, and provides insights that help the team make better decisions.

Can be recognized for

Analytical thinking.
Data interpretation.
Research skills.

✍️

Impact. Decisions based on solid data are more likely to succeed. The analyst ensures the team is making informed choices.

Supporter

The supporter is the cheerleader of the team. They boost morale, encourage teammates, and provide emotional support when things get tough. This role is often overlooked, but it's essential for maintaining a positive team atmosphere. They may be great as HRs.

Can be recognized for

Empathy.
Positivity.
Conflict resolution.

✍️

Impact. A positive, supportive environment can make all the difference in a team's productivity. The supporter helps keep spirits high, especially during challenging times.

Executor

This is the person who gets things done. The executor is focused, efficient, and driven to complete tasks. They're great at taking plans and turning them into reality, ensuring deadlines are met and projects are delivered.

Can be recognized for

Focus.
Efficiency.
Goal orientation.

✍️

Impact. Every team needs a doer. The executor keeps DoD's philosophy alive and ensures that all the planning and strategising actually leads to results.

Quality Checker

The quality checker is detail-oriented and ensures the final output is up to standard. They catch mistakes, provide feedback, and ensure the project meets the team's quality expectations.

Can be recognized for

Attention to detail.
Critical thinking.
Quality assurance.

✍️

Impact. Delivering high-quality work is crucial for a team's reputation. The quality checker helps prevent costly mistakes and keeps standards high.

Tech-Savvy

Having someone tech-savvy is a must. The tech expert knows how to use the latest tools, troubleshoot issues, and keep the team's technology running smoothly.

Can be recognized for

Technical knowledge.
Problem-solving.
Adaptability to new tools.

✍️

Impact. Technology is at the heart of most modern teams. The tech expert ensures the team's tools and systems run efficiently so nothing slows down progress.

Collaboration spaces & file-sharing

Balanced teams use balanced team collaboration tools

Teams work better when they're using the right tools. Tools like Orchestra, which eliminate busywork and streamline tasks, put teams in focus by helping align goals, manage changes, share files, and more.

With Orchestra, teams get:

Clean, productive topic-based communication.
Built-in video calls & automatic notes.
Easy & lightweight task boards.
Collaboration spaces & file-sharing.
An AI assistant in every chat, 24/7.

We don't say you have to exhibit all team roles simultaneously. The first step is to be aware of the existing types and consider the team’s objectives. Then, work out which tasks need to be undertaken.

It's unfortunate when people confuse one role for another. Imagine someone who's a planner on the team but possesses all the skills needed to be a leader. To notice that, one must be aware of what each role entails to avoid such misalignments.

Also, knowing the types of possible roles gives people a greater understanding of their strengths, which leads to more effective communication within the team. After all, it's the team that drives work and makes a difference in the workplace.