At some point or another we have all been apart of some kind of team. A sports team, work team, community team basically any kind of group of people who come together to accomplish a common goal. The dynamics of the team can really affect how well the team can work together to achieve this common goal but what is more a mystery is how the team comes together in the first place.
According to Tuckman’s (1965) developmental stages the establishing of a team happens in a specified way. The first stage is called forming. It is exactly what is sounds like the “forming” of the team. Have you ever walked into a new class and the teacher makes you stand up go around the room and ask everyone their favorite hobby as an ice breaker? This is what it can feel like during the formation of a team. During the forming stage members of the team have yet to know and trust one another and there is a bit of awkwardness. Conversations are superficial and you may notice everyone is on their best behaviors. It is during this stage that leaders may shine through.
Next is the storming stage. Again the name as it implies may be a little stormy with issues arising between teammates. During this stage team members become more aquainted with one another and roles about who should do what or play what position are assessed. After we have the norming stage where everything starts to feel “normal”. Everyone knows their role on the team. Those who realize the team is not for them start to filter out and the team becomes solidified.
Now for the fun part. The performing stage comes second to last and it is during this phase that the team can start operating with its full potential. By this stage all team conflict has been resolved and the teams main focus is to accomplish its goal. The last stage is the adjourning stage where everything comes to an end. The goals have been met and the team is no longer needed for its purpose.
Nelson, A. (2021). Lesson 7: Organizational Life AND Teams. https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2132894/modules/items/32758445
Coutts, L.M., Gruman, J.A., & Schneider, F.W. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. (3rd ed.) SAGE Publications.