Team Roles
Maya is helping plan a school event. She brainstorms a unique game idea—a treasure hunt—that no one else thought of. Which team role does Maya represent?
Plant (Creative Problem-Solver)
After some initial conflicts, the group has now started to understand each member’s strengths. They’ve set up a clear plan, and everyone knows what they’re responsible for. The team members feel more comfortable working together. Which stage is this?
Norming
A team sets a goal to increase their school club’s membership by 20% by the end of the semester. They have a specific target and a clear deadline. Which part of SMART does this goal demonstrate?
Measurable and Time-Bound
Name at least two successful sports teams from around the world and describe one major achievement of each.
The New Zealand All Blacks (Rugby World Cup champions) and the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (multiple-time FIFA Women's World Cup winners)...
In a group project, the team leader makes sure everyone knows their purpose and what they’re working toward. They have a shared understanding of what success looks like. Which characteristic of a successful team does this demonstrate?
Clear Goals
Leo is organizing a fundraiser for his club. He reaches out to other clubs to borrow equipment, making the event more successful. What team role is Leo demonstrating?
Resource Investigator
As the group starts working, two members disagree on the best approach to take, causing tension. Other team members are frustrated because they’re unsure of their roles and responsibilities. Which stage of team development does this describe?
Storming
A group of students working on a community service project aims to collect 500 canned goods for a local food bank by December. They know exactly what they want to achieve and have a deadline. Which parts of SMART does this goal include?
Specific, Measurable, and Time-Bound
Identify two technology teams or companies that have made a global impact, and explain one major product or achievement they’re known for.
Apple (for the iPhone and MacBook) and Google (for its search engine and development of Android)
During a group project, each member is encouraged to participate equally and share their ideas. The team leader values everyone's contributions and ensures that no one dominates the conversation. Which characteristic does this scenario represent?
Balanced Participation
Zoe follows through on her club’s plan by creating posters and making sure they’re displayed around the school before the big event. What team role does Zoe fill?
Implementer
The project is complete, and the team members are reflecting on what they accomplished. They’re proud of their work but feel a bit sad that the group is disbanding now that the project is over. Which stage does this represent?
Adjourning
A class sets a goal to finish their group research project two weeks before the deadline to allow extra time for editing. This goal is realistic given their timeline and resources. Which part of SMART does this highlight?
Achievable
Think of two successful teams in the field of entertainment or media. Describe one achievement that has made each team famous worldwide.
The Beatles (pioneered modern music and global fame) and Marvel Studios (created a highly successful cinematic universe with multiple blockbuster movies)
A team made up of students from different backgrounds and with various skills works together on a school project. They use each other’s unique perspectives to solve problems creatively. Which characteristic of successful teams is shown here?
Valued Diversity
Ben notices one of his teammates feels left out in a group project. He encourages them to share their ideas and be part of the discussion, making everyone feel valued. What team role is Ben showing?
Teamworker (Supportive Peacemaker)
A new group of students has just been assigned to work on a class project. They’re being polite, introducing themselves, and trying to understand the project’s goals, but haven’t started working yet. What stage of team development is this?
Forming
A student leadership team sets a goal to organize monthly events that promote school spirit and community involvement. This goal aligns with their mission and purpose as a leadership team. Which part of SMART is this an example of?
Relevant
Name a famous space exploration team from any country and one of their significant accomplishments.
NASA’s Apollo 11 team (first manned moon landing in 1969) and SpaceX (first privately-funded team to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station)
A club president is careful to involve the whole team in making important decisions and listens to everyone’s input. The leadership responsibilities are shared among different team members, depending on the project needs. Which characteristic is being demonstrated?
Participative Leadership
lex carefully reviews his group’s project, fixing any typos and making sure everything is neatly done before submitting it. Which team role does Alex take on?
Completer Finisher (Detail-Oriented)
The team is working smoothly and efficiently toward their project goal. Each member is focused on their tasks, communication flows well, and they support each other when challenges come up. What stage of team development is this?
Performing
A team of students aims to raise $1,000 for a charity within three months by hosting bake sales and car washes. They have a clear purpose, a measurable target, a realistic plan, and a deadline. Which parts of SMART does this goal cover?
All parts – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound
Name two humanitarian or non-profit teams that have made a positive impact globally, and describe one of their major contributions.
Answer: The Red Cross (provides emergency assistance and disaster relief worldwide) and Doctors Without Borders (delivers medical aid in conflict zones and areas with critical healthcare needs)
In planning a school event, the group faces different opinions on how to proceed. Instead of ignoring these differences, they discuss and try to find common ground. Which characteristic does this illustrate?
Managed Conflict