ABSTRACT
One of the great strengths of the effective team lies in its blend of different talents and abilities. Truly effective teams are able to use different personalities and approaches to suit differing situations but they can only do this if the mix of team membership is right: if it is balanced. Too often work teams are formed without any conscious effort to ensure that membership is balanced; but senior managers are increasingly realizing that it is worth the effort. Good teambuilding has to begin with good selection. Just as the master chef has to choose between ingredients, ensure their quality and determine the correct quantities, so the teambuilder has to find the optimum balance of skills and abilities. Some people may be fully trained in the skills they offer whilst others may be developing. Some may have the wisdom of the years on their side, others the vigour of youth but all must contribute to the whole and a balance must be achieved. Recent research has enabled us to understand why teams succeed or fail, by analysing the roles which are necessary in successful teams. Each of the following roles has its unique contribution to make.
