When you put together a team, you think first and primarily of the “formal-official” roles. Who will be the Team Leader? What “job” will each member fill?

But, it is the “informal-unofficial” roles that might save you. Or, sadly, that might do you in.

Every team needs a “cheerleader.” This is that person who senses when a team member needs a word of encouragement to keep going. Your team might need a “team mother” – someone who is good at patching up the emotional wounds; someone who can keep the “siblings” (the team members) from tearing each other apart. Such informal roles – (they are never part of any official task/job description) – play a vital role in making a team work effectively.

But, it also seems that other “unofficial” roles always seem to show up. You’ve got the “slacker.” This is the person that lets others carry the load. Even worse, you can have the “pain-in-the-rear.” This is the person who practically undermines the team at every turn. These two roles – “slacker, pain-in-the-rear” – can undermine the morale of all team members, and undercut your best chance at effectiveness in your endeavors.

If you are a team leader, as you recruit your members, do not neglect these unofficial role considerations. Call this a part of the “team chemistry” equation.

This much is clear – a good cheerleader can be invaluable. And a slacker, or that pain-in-the-rear? You need to trade them away to another team as fast as possible.