Bruce Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development functions as a blueprint for how teams form and develop. It’s a fascinating way to understand all the highs and lows associated with working together. Here are the four phases that everybody can identify with:
The Forming stage is first. At this point, the group is still getting to know one another. It’s exciting and full of possibilities, much like the start of a new friendship. While attempting to determine who is better at what, they are all polite.
The Storming stage follows. Things can get a little difficult at this point. As people begin to hold conflicting beliefs, problems may arise. This is the point of a group project that students may argue on how to tackle the assignment.
The Norming stage comes next. At this point, the group begins to click. They established some guidelines and learned how to cooperate. Group members get together, respect one another’s opinions, and work more efficiently in the group project setting.
Lastly, is the Performing stage. At this point, the group is operating at its full potential. Group members contribute to an excellent final product for the group project that showcases their effort and teamwork.
The Stages of Group Development by Bruce Tuckman is a guide for learning how groups develop and thrive. Any group can do some amazing things as they work through the forming, storming, norming, and performing stages.
Reference
Truman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., and Coutts, L.M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Tags: #AppliedSocialPsychology, #psychology, Group development stages, intergroup relations, psych424, Tuckman's Stages