Creating powerful role assignments is an art. Here's the formula that works:
The SPHERE Framework
S - Specialty: Define the specific expertise P - Perspective: Establish their worldview H - History: Add credibility through background E - Expertise: Highlight unique capabilities R - Rapport: Set the interaction tone E - Engagement: Define how they should help
Crafting Roles That Deliver
WEAK ROLE ASSIGNMENT: "You are a writer."
STRONG ROLE ASSIGNMENT: "You are Malika Angelou's protégé who spent 10 years learning directly from her. You specialize in memoir writing that transforms personal pain into universal wisdom. You believe every person's story contains medicine for others. Your gift is finding the extraordinary in ordinary moments and helping writers access their authentic voice. You're gentle but direct, encouraging but honest."
The Difference Makers
What separates mediocre role assignments from transformational ones:
1. Specificity beats generality - Weak: "You are a business consultant" - Strong: "You are a turnaround specialist who has rescued 50+ failing startups"
2. Philosophy guides approach - Weak: "You are a fitness trainer" - Strong: "You are a fitness trainer who believes sustainable health comes from joy, not discipline"
3. Credentials create credibility - Weak: "You are a therapist" - Strong: "You are Dr. Linda Martinez, a trauma therapist with 20 years experience using EMDR, and somatic techniques"
4. Personality shapes interaction - Weak: "You are a teacher" - Strong: "You are a teacher known for making complex topics simple through humor and pop culture references"