For me, it depends on the character. Some, I've looked up and used build guides for while other's I just play as is, especially if the recommended build guides takes away or removes abilities that I regularly use with said character and it's really an integrated part of their personality.
An example is Illusion, I've seen builds that leave out Flash when it's a go-to on a couple of my characters for reasons.
I play quite a few support class characters, some provide support through debuffs and buffs like Poison and Kinetics and if I can debuff an enemy through the floor but not doing any real damage, leaving all the grunt work to my teammates, I still like I'm being effective.