TEAMS – PART 2: STAGES OF TEAM DEVELOPMENT

teamB W  Tuckman, as a professor at Ohio State University, conducted research about group dynamics.  This research led to the publishing of his Teamwork Theory , which identified a 4-stage process in team development.  This theory has become the most widely accepted model for the processes that a group goes through in order to become  a highly effective team.

It is sometimes assumed that the development of teams occurs in a straight line heading in an upward progression.  This assumption is depicted below.

team2

It would be much easier if in fact that is how team development takes place.  However, the reality is that the development of teams typically follows the pattern shown below.  This pattern reflects that following a team’s forming there is a decline in its working together, with the amount of time it remains in the storming stage varying greatly.

team3

1. Forming

  • The group gets together for the first time
  • Discusses its purpose, goals, objectives, challenges & opportunities
  • Determine roles & responsibilities
  • Develop formal rules of working (“norms”)

2. Storming

  • Members grow in confidence and an amount of in-fighting & conflict is likely to occur
  • Begin open communication & collaboration
  • Establish how it will deal with conflict so as to arrive at resolution
  • Reinforce norms
  • Provide whatever clarification is needed

3. Norming

  • Buy into norms, & their roles & responsibilities
  • Develop trust of one another & leaders
  • Show positive signs of cooperation & collaboration
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  • Become willing to openly discuss issues, concerns
  • Feel able to give & receive constructive criticism
  • Display sense of team spirit

4. Performing

  • Understand each other’s strengths & weaknesses
  • Able to prevent, minimize or at least work through conflict effectively
  • Communicate freely
  • Coordinate & collaborative successfully
  • Support one another
  • Hold one another accountable for fulfilling individual commitments toward the overall goals & objectives
  • Achieve desired results or even a higher level of performance

EMPLOYER ACTION

  1. Assess where your team(s) are in this 4-stage development process
  2. If they are stuck in one stage or have not progressed to being a performing team, identify why
  3. Take the necessary action for them to reach performing status

HOW TRINITY CAN HELP?

If your organization has a teambuilding/team development need, Trinity has tools & the capability to assist you.

You have HR questions…Trinity has answers

Posted in Teams & Teambuilding