In my previous article, I described team roles according to the Belbin Model. There is a role that sometimes gets overlooked, but it is absolutely critical to the success of a project - the Completer-Finisher. This is my personal blindspot as well, so I worked through some ideas to try and improve skills in this role.
According to the Belbin model, a Completer-Finisher is the person who ensures that work is done to the correct standard, delivered on time, and completed with attention to detail.
If you find yourself struggling to bring projects to a successful close, improving your Completer-Finisher skills could be the key to unlocking your potential.
Understanding the Completer-Finisher Role
The Belbin Team Roles model, developed by Dr Meredith Belbin, identifies nine distinct roles that individuals naturally gravitate towards in a team setting. These roles help ensure that a team has a balanced approach to tackling tasks, and each role contributes to the overall success of the group.
The Completer-Finisher is the quality controller of the team, the one who ensures that every "i" is dotted, and every "t" is crossed. They are typically perfectionists, highly conscientious, and have an eye for detail that others might overlook.
While these traits are incredibly valuable, they can also lead to stress, overwork, and even paralysis by analysis.
Why Completer-Finisher Skills Matter
In any project, the final stages are often the most challenging. It’s easy to lose momentum, overlook details, or rush to completion without thorough checks. A strong Completer-Finisher prevents this by ensuring that every task is carried out to the highest standard and that the project is truly finished, not just abandoned when it gets tough.
Whether you're working in a team or managing your own tasks, cultivating Completer-Finisher skills will ensure your work stands out for its quality and reliability.
So, how can you improve these essential skills?
Actionable Tips to Enhance Your Completer-Finisher Skills
1. Develop a System for identifying the finish line
To be an effective Completer-Finisher, you need a robust system to check your work. This might involve creating detailed checklists, using project management tools, or simply setting aside time to review your work thoroughly.
For example, if you’re completing a presentation or report, break it down into sections and review each one separately, ensuring that each part meets your standards before moving on to the next.
2. Manage Your Time Wisely
Time management is crucial for a Completer-Finisher. Without it, you may find yourself either rushing to finish or spending too much time perfecting one aspect of a project. Use time-blocking techniques to allocate specific periods for reviewing and polishing your work.
Set realistic deadlines for each stage of the process, and stick to them.
3. Balance Perfectionism with Practicality
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. While it drives high standards, it can also lead to unnecessary delays. Learn to identify when "good enough" is truly good enough.
Consider the purpose and audience of your work; sometimes, perfection isn’t required, and aiming for it can be counterproductive.
4. Seek Feedback Regularly
Don’t wait until the end of a project to seek feedback. Regular check-ins with colleagues or clients can help you identify areas that need improvement before they become major issues. This can also reduce the pressure on you to get everything right the first time.
Plan milestones in your work where you offer it up for feedback/commentary. I use the phrase ‘Please help me make this better’ as a way to seek out feedback that can help me improve.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Completer-Finishers often carry a heavy burden, feeling responsible for the success or failure of a project. This can lead to stress and burnout. Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, into your routine to help manage this stress.
Learning to step back and view your work with a fresh perspective can also help you maintain a healthy balance between quality and efficiency.
6. Embrace Continuous Improvement
The best Completer-Finishers are those who are always learning and growing. After completing a project, take time to reflect on what went well and what could have been done better.
This reflection will help you refine your processes and improve your skills for future projects.
7. Learn to iterate
Sometimes, getting a project ‘out there’ is more important than achieving perfection. One way to get around this, is to publish iterations asking for feedback and action at each cycle.
Using iterations of a solution will help test your projects in the real world, and move you towards the finish line.
Takeaways
Becoming a better Completer-Finisher is about more than just attention to detail; it’s about balancing perfection with practicality, managing your time effectively, and maintaining your mental well-being.
By incorporating some of these strategies into your daily routine, you can improve your ability to ‘close out’ and deliver high-quality work consistently.
The Completer-Finisher is a vital role in any team, and by mastering these skills, you not only enhance your own performance but also contribute significantly to the success of any project you’re involved in.
You can start today - review your current tasks, implement these strategies, and watch as your projects move to the finish line.
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