Groups tend to succeed when individuals fulfill specific roles, and most members of a group will fulfill dual roles. Task roles are those that directly relate to the group’s objectives. For example, during a group presentation, one person may be assigned to be the primary writer, another the primary speaker, and another the one responsible for presentation aids. In addition, group members may also adopt maintenance roles, or social roles within the group. For example, a “peacemaker” might excel at conflict resolution, a “comic reliever” might keep group morale up with intermittent jokes, and a “taskmaster” might keep the group focused.

Unfortunately, anti-group roles that undermine the agenda may also exist. A “blocker” might always undermine any idea, even if it is good, or a “glory hog” might attempt to take credit for every idea, even if it belongs to the group as a whole. Group members should politely address anti-group problems at the outset in order to keep the group on track.