There is strong evidence that groups pass through a sequence of five stages of
development. These are sometimes defined as:
Forming, or coming together
Storming, or conflict
Norming, or working out the rules
Performing, or getting the job done
Mourning, or breaking up.
The length of time different groups take to pass through each of these developmental stages
will vary, but it is generally not possible to achieve high team performance until the group has
passed through at least the first three stages. The duration of each stage will depend on
factors such as individual and team maturity, task complexity, leadership, organisational
climate, and external climate.