Strategic, rather than emotional or instinctive in their methods, these rational thinkers prefer a logical approach to problem-solving. They like to carefully identify a team's options before coming up with a decisive, objective solution. Their analytical nature in this Belbin team role means they can be very good at assessing and analysing the ideas that Plants come up with.

Similarly, these individuals tend to prefer working alone, which helps them maintain their objectivity when evaluating the contributions of colleagues. Due to their ability to consistently make effective decisions, it's common to see these individuals in managerial roles. However, they may find it hard to inspire those around them and their evaluations may be viewed by some as being overly critical. Their carefully balanced, strategic approach to problem-solving may also mean they can be slow in coming to a final decision.

Extroverted and inquisitive by nature, the Resource Investigator is skilled at networking and is the person to go out and explore options, develop contacts and negotiate for resources for the team. Though not necessarily as skilled as some other Belbin team roles at coming up with their own ideas, they excel at picking up ideas from others to bring back to their team. Resource Investigators have a tendency to be very optimistic and strongly motivated by their initial interest in a project, which may cool over time.