Heartbeat (UK TV Series) - summarizing the characters from a Belbin perspective
Remember that great British police drama TV series Heartbeat? And those wonderful characters from that picturesque part of Britain – the Yorkshire moors? Characters such as Oscar Blaketon, the unforgettable Claude Jeremiah Greengrass and Bernie Scripps. Knowingly or unknowingly each was portraying certain behavioural characteristics of Belbin® Team Roles. Oscar Blaketon as the local Sergeant of police and then as the owner of the Aidensfield Arms village pub portrayed the character that was blunt, suspicious, challenging, hard-driving and tough. These are the descriptors of the Shaper, a work style that can galvanize action but is prone to provocation and acerbity.
Then there is that lovable rogue – Claude Jeremiah Greengrass who is always thinking up ideas for living off his wits and making an easy quid. Enterprising, inquisitive and processing an ability to seize opportunities Claude is always on the lookout for quick and easy money be it from a madcap money scheme, business venture or poaching game from Lord Ashfordly’s estate. He plays the role of Resource Investigator who can think on his feet, develops contacts and exploits opportunities for at times ill-gotten gain.
Finally there is Bernie Scripps, the Aidensfiled garage owner and part time mortician. Bernie is a mild character, helpful and adaptable (albeit at times reluctantly) to his mate Greengrass’ opportunistic ideas and madcap escapades. He plays the role of Teamworker, someone who is perceptive, fearful of conflict and indecisive.
So in summary
- Oscar Blaketon’s Shaper Contributions…
- Challenging, dynamic, thrives on pressure. The drive and courage to overcome obstacles.
- Allowable Weaknesses of the Shaper
- Prone to provocation and offends people’s feelings.
- Claude Jeremiah Greengrass’ Resource Investigator Contributions…
- Extrovert, enthusiastic. Explores opportunities and develops contacts.
- Allowable weaknesses of the Resource Investigator
- Over-optimistic and loses interest once initial enthusiasm has passed.
- Bernie Scripts’ Teamworker Contributions…
- Co-operative, mild, perceptive and averts friction.
- Allowable Weaknesses of the Teamworker
- Indecisive in crunch situations.
So did the wonderful writers and producers of Heartbeat know of the Belbin® model in crafting their characters? Maybe they did, maybe they didn’t – however in reality Oscar, Claude and Bernie are a classics example of Belbin® work behaviours at play.
