PART 02: READY? AIM! // ASSOCIATES

05 Define the Role of Each Associate

Generative Communication is never scripted. If we could have written the script in advance, assembling a team and collaborating would have made no sense. While what we aim to achieve must be defined, the details are open-ended because they rely on ideas, interactions, and dynamics that are essentially unexpected. 

In that sense, Generative Communication is like improvisational theatre: You know what you aim for but have no idea what the final result will be. Nothing is scripted in improv, but specific roles are typically assigned before the actors begin to play. One actor could be a detective and the other a suspect; one might play a teacher, another an opinionated parent, and the third a challenging student. While nothing is expected and no one can anticipate how the sketch will evolve, assigning these roles enables the actors to get started and get themselves in the right mindset. Without defined roles, it becomes difficult for the actors to synchronize.

With the smallest effective team assembled and our understanding of each member’s perspective, we should define the role of each associate in the discussion. Like in improv, we aim to work as a team and create something together. Typically, we expect each team member to bring something different to the collaborative work, and defining this in advance puts the team at a better starting point. 

Defining the role of each associate is not meant to limit anyone. Like in improv, this is an entry point to the discussion. In most setups, we will encourage people to expand their roles, and no one should be prevented from sharing information or insights just because they seem to go beyond their assigned role. At the same time, role assignment enables a fluent discussion by setting expectations and allowing our associates to come well-prepared. 

Say you’re planning a family vacation with your spouse and three children. You want to plan the trip together as a team, but this doesn’t mean there are no roles in the discussion. You might decide, for example, that your children are responsible for researching and coming up with ideas while you and your spouse are responsible for evaluating the budget and making the final decision. Does that mean you won’t be able to raise some ideas? Does that mean you can’t work with one of your older children on the budget? Of course, you can. Ultimately, everyone can contribute in ways that help move the joint effort forward. Still, defining these roles in advance helps everyone know how they are expected to promote the initiative. 

Imagine you don’t tell your children they are expected to bring some ideas. Chances are the discussion will start with a blank page or with only some of them raising ideas and the others feeling frustrated because they didn’t know they were expected to. Clear role definition allows them to enter the discussion, knowing what they are expected to do. 

The same applies to knowing in advance that you, the parents, are responsible for making the decision. Imagine this coming as a surprise after everyone shares their ideas. It might create tension and be perceived as unfair. 

The more people participate in the discussion, the more critical it is to ensure everyone understands their role. Don’t think of assigning roles as rigid; think of it as setting the ground for a more effective discussion. 

Defining the role of each of the associates is essential not only in meetings but in any interaction designed for co-creation. When a project manager shares a report, some associates might be required to develop a revised plan to mitigate delays. Others are expected to define plan B in case the mitigation fails. Again, these roles are not meant to limit anyone from sharing ideas beyond the scope of their role, but they allow everyone to start the discussion knowing what they must do.

When everyone knows their roles, we can ensure a meaningful interaction.