Understanding people's roles
Featured in the Partnerships at Work training manual
By Ken Birkett & Val Rowland
Category: Performance Management
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
Everyone at work has a boss and, therefore, needs to learn to manage differences in status and power between their role and that of their boss. Sometimes the role of boss is not understood. If a boss feels that his or her people do not understand their role, it can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and friction. This state of affairs will affect both parties eventually. It is important to remember certain points: an individual does not behave in isolation, people can only express themselves in the company of others; relationships with others are determined by a complicated system of rules and customs that are influenced in the workplace by organisational culture; role is a concept which focuses on the fact that some behaviour patterns exist independently of the personality; and we all have both formal and informal roles to deal with at the same time, and these can be in conflict. Feeling a conflict of loyalty between fellow managers and subordinates is a common problem for bosses, particularly those who have recently been promoted. The demands of the formal role of boss may also conflict with informal roles of parent and partner. Understanding the complexity of work and personal roles is helpful in coping with boss/subordinate relationships.
You start this training activity by asking participants to consider the meaning of the term ‘role’ and to identify some of their own roles. You then give input on informal and formal roles and ask participants to describe particular work roles. Following this you ask participants to explain the meaning of specific role situations then you give input on some of the aspects of roles. After this you ask participants to work individually and then in pairs, analysing their role at work. Participants work in groups on a case-study about a boss/secretary relationship, followed by feedback. You finish the activity with a round-up of key learning points.
Who is it for: This training activity is intended for use by trainers to help participants understand people’s roles and to develop an insight into the boss’s job.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 6 |
| Max Group Size: | 12 |
| Typical Duration: | 01:55:00 |
| No of Pages: | 20 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Purpose: This training activity can be used for management training, career development and stress-management programmes.
Download the training activity, Understanding people's roles as featured in the Fenman training manual; Partnerships at Work