FORMING
In the ‘Forming’ stage of a group, personal relations are characterised by dependence. Group members rely on safe, patterned behaviour 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 sub-grouping. Rules of behaviour 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 orientated to the tasks as well as to one another. Discussion centres 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.
STORMING
The ‘Storming’ stage is characterised by competition and conflict in personal relations and the task functions of the team. As the group members attempt to get organised to perform the task, conflict inevitably results in their personal relations.
Individuals have to bend and mold their feelings, ideas, attitudes, and beliefs to suit the group organisation. Because of fear of exposure or fear of failure, there will be an increased desire for structural clarification and commitment. Although conflicts may or may not surface as group issues, they do exist. Questions will arise about who is going to be responsible for what; what the rules are; what the reward system is and criteria for evaluation.
These reflect conflict over leadership, structure, power and authority. There may be wide swings in members’ behaviour based on emerging issues of competition and hostilities. Because of the discomfort generated during this stage, some members may remain completely silent while others attempt to dominate.
In order to progress to the next stage, group members must move from a ‘testing and proving’ mentality to a problem-solving mentality. The most important trait in helping groups to move on to the next stage seems to be the ability to listen.
NORMING
In Tuckman’s Norming stage interpersonal relations are characterised by cohesion. Group members are engaged in active acknowledgment of all members’ contributions, community building and maintenance and solving of group issues. Members are willing to change their preconceived ideas or opinions on the basis of facts presented by other members and they actively ask questions of one another. Leadership is shared and cliques dissolve.
When members begin to know and identify with one another, the level of trust in their personal relations contributes to the development of group cohesion. It is during this stage of development (assuming the group gets this far) that people begin to experience a sense of group belonging and a feeling of relief as a result of resolving interpersonal conflicts.
The major task function of stage three is the data flow between group members: They share feelings and ideas, solicit and give feedback to one another and explore actions related to the task. Creativity is high. If this stage of data flow and cohesion is attained by the group members, their interactions are characterised by openness and sharing of information on both a personal and task level. They feel good about being part of an effective group.
The major drawback of the ‘Norming’ stage is that members may begin to fear the inevitable future breakup of the group; they may resist change of any sort.
PERFORMING
The Performing stage is not reached by all groups. If group members are able to evolve to stage four, their capacity, range, and depth of personal relations expand to true interdependence. In this stage, people can work independently, in subgroups, or as a total unit with equal facility. Their roles and authorities dynamically adjust to the changing needs of the group and individuals.
Stage four is marked by interdependence in personal relations and problem solving in the realm of task functions. By now, the group should be most productive. Individual members have become self-assuring, and the need for group approval is past. Members are both highly task oriented and highly people oriented.
There is unity: group identity is complete, group morale is high, and group loyalty is intense. The task function becomes genuine problem solving, leading toward optimal solutions and optimum group development. There is support for experimentation in solving problems and an emphasis on achievement. The overall goal is productivity through problem solving and work.
ADJOURNING
Tuckman’s final stage ‘Adjourning’ involves the termination of task behaviours and disengagement from relationships. A planned conclusion usually includes recognition for participation and achievement and an opportunity for members to say personal goodbyes.
Concluding a group can create some apprehension - in effect, a minor crisis. The termination of the group is a regressive movement from giving up control to giving up inclusion in the group. The most effective interventions in this stage are those that facilitate task termination and the disengagement process.
Elsabé Manning facilitates Team Re-Building workshops with great success. Rebuilding a team entails uncovering and resolving team issues and overcoming obstacles and healing broken relationships. This workshop is the beginning of lasting, trusting, respectful relationships. The entire team commits to pull together with clearly defined common vision, goals and objectives.
This workshop will help individuals to identify their roles and responsibilities; create common values and clarify the changes each member has to make in order to work together toward their [written down] common goals. They will also commit to communicating more effectively with each other.
This is the beginning of a journey to create an environment that promotes diversity and encourage personal style. Together the team will explore ideas to help each other on that journey. An atmosphere of mutual trust and respect will encourage serious introspection and discussion around issues.