Team Building

FOUR PLAYER MODEL

The Four Player Model activity helps us look at four behaviour models or roles that are necessary for effective team functioning – mover, follower, opposer, and bystander. None of these roles is inherently “better” than the others. In fact, all four roles are essential for a team to function effectively, and individuals may shift roles during an interaction. A team functions more effectively when it incorporates a variety of mindsets and behaviours.
Download Activity Worksheet
  • Communication
    Team Building
  • 20-30 minutes
  • Minimum 4, maximum 40
    • Flipchart paper
    • Markers

Source: Adapted from the Kantor Four Player Model

What to do

  1. Ensure there is sufficient space for people to move around. Affix four large pieces of paper to the wall at different locations in the room. Write one of the following words on each of these pages of paper:

a. Move

c. Oppose

b. Follow

d. Bystand

  1. Ensure each station has a way to capture feedback (flipchart and markers or pen and paper).
  2. Have the facilitator briefly describe each role. Have participants self-identify which role most resonates with them within their workplace/team and have them move to the corresponding sign within the room.

Role Descriptions:

Lead/Move:

  • Provides direction/vision
  • Initiates action
  • Brings new ideas.

Oppose:

  • Differing views
  • Highlights alternatives
  • Devil’s advocate.

Follow:

  • Gets on board with ideas
  • Pushes team forward
  • Appreciates ideas.

Bystand:

  • Provides perspective
  • Clarifies what is missing
  • Objective view.
  1. Take 5–10 minutes and have each group write down the strengths of their roles within the context of work/team dynamic.
  2. Have each group share with the larger group their perceived strengths.
  3. Discuss as a larger group the following questions. It may be helpful to provide the context of a problem to solve or a familiar scenario. Capture ideas on a flipchart or paper:
    1. Were there people in all four roles?
    2. If one role wasn’t represented (meaning no one picked it during the game), what happened?
    3. Are all four roles typically found in the team’s usual approach?
    4. How do the four roles work together?
    5. How do the roles clash with each other?
    6. What are the potential downsides of each role?
    7. In what situations might a specific role be needed? (For example, a role that brings order during chaos.)
    8. What happens during stressful situations or when there is a tight deadline?
    9. What new behaviours might the team need to develop, both individually and as a group?
    10. What current behaviours are valued and could be strengthened?
    11. What else can we consider?

Debrief

(following the activity)

  • What did you learn about your team and the various roles each person plays? Were you surprised by anything?
  • What did you learn about how different roles support team function or dysfunction during this activity?
  • What learnings can you take from this activity into future teamwork and projects?
  • When thinking of a project or activity in your own work setting, how can teams try using the four roles differently to overcome the challenges you are facing?