 Negative roles. How they affect teamwork. Some teams are so productive they win awards and recognition. These successful teams have learned productivity is linked to process. What they accomplish is affected by how well they blend their individual personalities and strengths. Other teams stumble along experiencing conflict and a lack of unity. Often they have members who play negative roles. Negative roles are acted out in self-centered behavior and speech. Members who play these roles are all about me, me, me. Not about us or you. Let's look at the five highlighted group members to hear and read about their roles. I am the aggressor. I criticize and blame others, generally tearing them down and making them reluctant to participate. I am the blocker. I generally reject members' views and disagree with decisions. I am really good at pointing out disadvantages. I'm the dominator. I dominate discussions by talking louder and longer than anyone else. That's how I get my way. I am the jokester. I make jokes about everything and I never get serious. I get everything off track and I disrupt progress. I am the withdrawer. I do not like to participate and often do not pay attention. My body language shows impatience or boredom. These statements characterize the five negative roles. Let's match each statement with the appropriate role. Aggressor. You are always thinking of ways to make more work. If you would have checked the invoices, you would have seen this coming. I can't believe you slipped up on this. The dominator. I know I'm right. Doing it my way will solve the problem. The jokester. Hey, that reminds me of a joke about a rabbit and a turtle. Withdrawer. I'll do it by myself. I can get it done quicker alone. Let's just make a decision on that other thing so we can get out of here. Blocker. That won't work. It costs too much. Besides, we can't try that idea now in this economy. What can you do about negative roles on your team? Make sure you are not the one who is a negative influence on the team. Consistently point out positive characteristics about your team. Avoid gossiping about team members. Gently but assertively encourage negative people to affect your team in a positive way. Always do this one-on-one, because confronting someone in front of the group only makes the situation worse. Dealing with negative roles is challenging, but worth the effort. When members work together in unity, everyone wins. Together, everyone achieves more. You have completed this learning activity, negative roles, how they affect teamwork.