For a team to be considered successful, it must generally go through four phases: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing as identified by psychologist B.A. Tuckman. In this post I will cover some important features of Forming, Storming, Norming & Performing and how the team grows through these stages. To begin with, here is a You Tube video to illustrate the four maturity stages of a team experience.
The performance of a member in the team usually shifts according to the maturity of the team. Regardless of their purpose, successful teams normally go through four stages of development before reaching maturity and actually starting to perform as a team.
Some teams get lucky and move quickly from forming to performing.
Forming
Forming is the initial stage of team development. During this stage, an individual makes the transition from individual, to team member and thus get to know each other better. Team members usually have positive outlooks about the forthcoming challenge and are eager to start the project work. They might experience feelings of enthusiasm, expectation, suspicion, nervousness or hesitation.
The project manager should clearly communicate the purpose of the project to build an image of successful team.
Storming
Members define their roles and responsibilities during the storming stage. The work starts to progress gradually but reality sets in when the expectations of the team members are not met. Unavoidably, because of the different personalities and individual goals in the team, conflicts will certainly arise. Conflict and disagreement can also create positive energy. They are necessary for innovation and creativity to solve problems.
Storming stage is an essential and significant stage of team development. Managers should start involving team members in decision making and problem solving. They should focus on providing a supportive environment.
Norming
During the norming stage, group settles down into a routine, establishes the process for making decisions, and agrees on acceptable behavioral patterns, members learn to trust each other. The team periodically checks its agenda in order to progress towards its goals.
The manager should take on a more supporting role, help to create and foster a successful environment. Work performance and productivity increase. They should give appreciation to progress made.
Performing
The performing stage is the eventual goal of the team. During this stage, the team members operate to their full potential and everyone focus on their task. The group itself is strong, loyal and cohesive. They know what to expect from each other thus bringing a sense of comfort, confidence and consistency.
The manager should focus on supporting the team to reach project goals. Performing stage requires the team to handle the conflict of the Storming stage. The team does not only need to overcome the conflict, but they also have to make sure that they have set guidelines in the Norming stage in order to come up to the Performing stage.
The project manager should clearly communicate the purpose of the project to build an image of successful team.
Storming
Members define their roles and responsibilities during the storming stage. The work starts to progress gradually but reality sets in when the expectations of the team members are not met. Unavoidably, because of the different personalities and individual goals in the team, conflicts will certainly arise. Conflict and disagreement can also create positive energy. They are necessary for innovation and creativity to solve problems.
Storming stage is an essential and significant stage of team development. Managers should start involving team members in decision making and problem solving. They should focus on providing a supportive environment.
Norming
During the norming stage, group settles down into a routine, establishes the process for making decisions, and agrees on acceptable behavioral patterns, members learn to trust each other. The team periodically checks its agenda in order to progress towards its goals.
The manager should take on a more supporting role, help to create and foster a successful environment. Work performance and productivity increase. They should give appreciation to progress made.
Performing
The performing stage is the eventual goal of the team. During this stage, the team members operate to their full potential and everyone focus on their task. The group itself is strong, loyal and cohesive. They know what to expect from each other thus bringing a sense of comfort, confidence and consistency.
The manager should focus on supporting the team to reach project goals. Performing stage requires the team to handle the conflict of the Storming stage. The team does not only need to overcome the conflict, but they also have to make sure that they have set guidelines in the Norming stage in order to come up to the Performing stage.
Next topic entry: What Does a Team Need to Be Successful?
Question:
Think about a team of
which you are a member, and which attempts to be a collaborative team.
How might you apply
your knowledge of the stages of development while working with your team?
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