In the Forming stage, personal relations are characterized by dependence. Group members rely on safe,
patterned behavior and look to the group leader for guidance and direction. Group members have a desire for
acceptance by the group and a need to know that the group is safe. They set about gathering impressions and
data about the similarities and differences among them and forming preferences for future subgrouping.
Rules of behavior seem to be to keep things simple and to avoid controversy. Serious topics and feelings are
avoided.
The major task functions also concern orientation. Members attempt to become oriented to the tasks as well
as to one another. Discussion centers around defining the scope of the task, how to approach it, and similar
concerns. To grow from this stage to the next, each member must relinquish the comfort of non-threatening
topics and risk the possibility of conflict.