Training in the Belbin Team Roles

An example of working with the client and the facilitator on how to best present a model they are introducing to the group. I knew the team we were working with to the Belbin Team Roles. Since the client sent me the link to learn more, I knew that there was 9 roles. I built the drawing in three steps:

1 | LEFT I drew a circle of 9 characters in the center, give me room to work from.

2 | RIGHT As each team member shared each of the nine roles, I filled in the nine characters.

3 | BELOW As the day continued and they learned more on how to use the Belbin model into practice, I added more and more details around the central model. I appreciate that this day's drawings work both as the whole and the parts, and the big picture and the details.

topic training, organizational development
description graphic facilitation
group size 20 | image size 4'x 6' | time 1 day | date June 2008

2021 Reflection: This meeting also had one of the Top 10 facilitation experiences I have ever seen. And I have never found another reference to the exercise. 

The team of about 20 people sat in a circle. If I recall correctly, all but 2 people were blindfolded. They passed around a bag containing a bunch of unique wooden shapes. Each person took one. There was one remaining that the facilitator held. 

Then the exercise was for the blindfolded team members to ask the sighted team members questions. I believe they could ask questions of each other? Were they limited in the number or type of questions they could ask? 

I so frickin' wish I could find reference to this exercise! 

The Goal: figure out the shape and color of the piece the facilitator was holding.

AND THEY DID IT. 

Clearly a brilliant exercise in communications, asking the right questions, trusting your team and good ol' patience. 

It was a joy to watch as each person was quietly and carefully holding their individual piece and was working to solve the puzzle as a whole. Remarkable to see an exercise that put folks in such a vulnerable position, but keeping them safe and supported throughout. 

If you know the name and source of this wooden shape exercise, please contact me! I'd love to learn more and credit the creators.