Team Member's Roles

A team consists of two or more members that focus on a common goal in which he or she is trying to reach together. Being a team player is not an easy task. Everyone must have a part and are willing to communicate with each other. Assigning roles to each member of the team will help keep the team organized and run smoothly. The team will assign each member a different role with specific task duties. There could be a recorder also known as the scribe, information seeker, decision-maker, and a chairperson also known as the leader. For a team to be successful, each member must put in his or her share of effort and be committed.

A recorder is the one who takes notes and maintains the record for the team. Whenever there is a meeting he or she is responsible to write down ideas that are discussed in the meeting. At the end of the meeting the recorder will make a copy of the notes and hand one to each member. He or she should also keep track of the days and times that the meetings occur. He or she has to see that the team is on schedule and on track. If he or she feels that the team has not accomplished any of the agendas then he or she might say: "Look friends, we are 40 minutes into this meeting and have no action plan" (The Pennsylvania State University, 2007, paragraph 5).

Information seeker is the one who does the research for the team. He or she would find information and share it with the team during a meeting. In the meeting, the team would then discuss if the sources are applicable and helpful. Information seeker must be accurate in his or her research and have to make sure that the sources are factual and reliable. Base on the information given, the decision-maker will now make choices for the team.

A decision-maker is the one that helps the team make decisions after further evaluation of information given. Developing good decision-making process for the team early on is important. The decision-maker would use a pro and con list to assist him or her in making the right or best choice for the team. Everyone should respect the decision decided by the decision-maker. The decision is his or her job to choose what would be best for the team and not be bias about it.

A leader or chairperson is needed in every team. He or she is the one that manages the team and