Stages of team development:
1. Forming stage:
- Individuals gather information and impressions about each other and the scope of the task and how to approach it
- This is a comfortable stage to be in.
- People focus on being busy with routines, such as team organisation e.g. who does what, when to meet each other, etc
2. Storming stage:
- Teams go through a period of unease/conflict after formation.
- Different ideas from team members will compete for consideration.
- Team members open up to each other and confront each other's ideas/ perspectives.
- Tension/struggle/arguments occur and upset the team members/there may be power struggles for the position of team leader.
- In some instances storming can be resolved quickly, in others, the team never leaves this stage.
- Many teams fail during this stage as they are not focused on their task.
- This phase can become destructive for the team/will lower motivation if allowed to get out of control.
- This stage is necessary/important for the growth of the team.
- Some team members tolerate each other to survive this stage
3. Norming stage/Settling and reconciliation:
- Team members form agreement and consensus.
- Roles and responsibilities are clear and accepted.
- Processes, working style and respect develops.
- Team members have the ambition to work for the success of the team's goals.
- Conflict may occur, but commitment and unity are strong.
4. Performing stage/Working as a team towards a goal:
- Team members are aware of strategies and aims of the team.
- They have direction without interference from the leader.
- Processes and structures are set.
- Leaders delegate and oversee the processes and procedures.
- All members are now competent, autonomous and able to handle the decision-making process without supervision.
- Differences among members are appreciated and used to enhance the team's performance.
5. Adjourning/Mourning stage:
- The focus is on the completion of the task/ending the project.
- Breaking up the team may be traumatic as team members may find it difficult to perform as individuals once again.
- All tasks need to be completed before the team finally dissolves.