From Chessmasters to Curators: Mapping Personas for Successful Grant Writing Teams

Partners in grant work often fall into different roles based on their strengths and personalities. Strong and seamless collaboration involves recognizing the most likely persona for each partner to find insight into their strengths and shortcomings, writes Bethany T. Lee for the NonProfit Times.

These partners often include clients, program officers, content experts, and others of a similar caliber. Determining the probable roles for your team ahead of a project can avoid challenges such as a struggle for leadership.

Lee suggests there are typically six personas collaborators fall into. First, there is the courier who delivers helpful resources and information. The courier is someone who can deliver accurate information and hand it off to another partner. 

Secondly, a curator is the person who will catalogue all of the information and pass on the most important materials to their partners. This person is highly detail-oriented and keeps the group focused. The third persona is a liaison. The liaison bridges gaps and brings people together. They are sociable and supportive, naturally driving people to collaborate. 

Next is the diplomat, who navigates the partners through challenges and balances the team’s best interests. Assuaging egos and excelling at communication are useful traits for the diplomat. 

Chess masters are constantly considering the future and long-term objectives for the team. They are examining and planning and keep the team focused on the bigger picture.

Lastly, there is the captain. The captain is the manager of the team and takes the lead on decisions and they keep the team within their deadlines.

Understanding which the personas of your collaborators and developing a balanced team is essential for harmonious working relationships and a smooth path to success.