Roles of Group Members

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the different types of group member roles, including those dedicated to tasks, relationships, and those that have a negative impact on group dynamics.

Innovator

A task-oriented role where the individual offers original ideas, begins conversations, and encourages the group to think ‘outside of the box’ to complete tasks.

Information Guru

A task-oriented role that serves as a fact checker by requesting relevant facts or missing information before the group proceeds.

Consensus Seeker

A task-oriented role that concentrates on obtaining everyone's perspective within the group.

Connector

A task-oriented role that builds upon ideas shared by others and pulls different ideas together.

Gatekeeper

A task-oriented role responsible for keeping the group on task, summarizing salient points, and steering members back to the discussion when they veer off.

Devil’s Advocate/Critic

A task-oriented role that assesses ideas against guidelines and standards, often arguing the opposite side of an issue to make the proposed solution stronger.

Scribe

A task-oriented role responsible for taking notes, recording ideas, and maintaining the history of the project.

Inspirer

A relationship-oriented role that builds a warm environment through affirmation and verbal support of team members.

Peacemaker

A relationship-oriented role that serves as a mediator to relieve tensions, often through the use of humor.

Negotiator

A relationship-oriented role where the individual is willing to give up support for their own ideas to help the group move forward with task completion.

Caretaker

A relationship-oriented role that ensures every member has an opportunity to share views, follows norms, and prevents any one person from dominating the discussion.

Contender

A negative role characterized by bullying behavior and the offering of harsh criticism toward other ideas.

Naysayer

A negative role where the individual opposes every idea but offers no alternatives in their place.

Attention Seeker

A negative role focused on themselves, often acting goofy or expounding on past accomplishments to gain attention.

Know-It-All

A negative role where the individual has an opinion on everything and seldom relinquishes the floor once they start speaking.