The Resource Investigator is a person who is probably the most likeable member of the team. He shows his enthusiasm at the start of the project by vigorously pursuing contacts and opportunities. A Resource Investigator’s eagerness can benefit the team as it can excite other members of the team about what they do.  

Classic examples of a Resource Investigator include a salesperson, a diplomat or an extroverted person who knows many people and is always out there to connect to even more. He or she is focused more on the areas outside the team.

In contrast with a Plant who creates new ideas, a Resource Investigator will quite happily steal them from others. A good Resource Investigator is an enabler, a maker of things and can be mistaken for a Plant. They do not have the radical originality that distinguishes them from a Plant. With one foot always in the real world, they are usually quick to see the relevance of new ideas.

• Positive qualities: a networker, great communication skills, likes to explore everything, enthusiastic, outgoing, seeks and finds options
• Negative qualities: can lose interest especially towards the end of the project, not good with small details