Role Definition Exercise

What participants gain

• Participants will be able to clearly define their roles and responsibilities.
• Participants will receive feedback from peers on their role understanding.
• Participants will identify any discrepancies between their perception and others' expectations.

Materials needed

• Paper or digital document
• Pens
• Timer
• Whiteboard or projector

How to run Role Definition Exercise, step by step

1. Explain the purpose of the exercise (5 min)
2. Participants individually write down their key responsibilities (10 min)
3. Each participant shares their role description with the group (10 min)
4. The team provides feedback and asks clarifying questions (5 min)

Facilitator tips

• Encourage honest and constructive feedback.
• Keep the discussion focused on role clarification.
• Ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
• Summarize key takeaways at the end.

Common challenges

• Some participants may struggle to define their roles - Provide examples and prompts.
• Discussions may become heated - Remind participants to focus on constructive feedback.
• Time may run short - Adjust the time allotted for each step as needed.

Running it virtually

Use a shared document or whiteboard for participants to write and share their role descriptions. Utilize breakout rooms for smaller group discussions.

Expected results

Each participant has a written description of their role and has received feedback from the team.

Build a session around Role Definition Exercise

METODIC drops Role Definition Exercise into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

Try METODIC free