Have you ever wondered why some teams effortlessly conquer challenges while others seem stuck in a cycle of uncertainty? 🤔 In the realm of team dynamics, the answer lies in Tuckman’s 5 Stages of Team Development—a roadmap that transforms groups into high-functioning teams.
Ready to lead your team through these stages of growth? Let’s explore how Tuckman’s insights can elevate your team’s performance and foster a culture of achievement.
His theory is that every team go through 5 stages. The 5 phases are:
- Phase 1 – The Forming Phase
- Phase 2 – The storming phase
- Phase 3 – The norming phase
- Phase 4 – The performing phase
- Phase 5 – The adjourning phase
Let’s discuss each of these stages and gain a better perspective. You can also download a PDF version of this blog.
Phase 1 – The Forming Phase
When does the Forming Phase commence?
- When the team meet each other for the first time (if brought together for a project) and/or
- When a new member joins the team
Common traits of a team in the Forming Phase
- Introductions and Inductions
- Getting to know each other conversations
- Respectful, reserved and polite
- Determine which role each team member will play (if project-based)
- Each team member wants to impress the other members
What is the leader’s role in this phase?
- Leaders need to take a more directive role. Team members are often unfamiliar with each other, and they look to the leader for guidance and structure.
- Leaders should clearly define the team’s goals, roles, and responsibilities.
- They should facilitate introductions and encourage open communication. Providing a sense of safety and clarity is crucial in this stage.
Phase 2 – The Storming Phase
When does the Storming Phase commence?
- The initial excitement has worn off and
- Tempers start to flair in the group
Common traits of a team in the Storming Phase
- Disagreements in the group
- Members want to assert their position in the team
- Sound leadership is crucial in this phase to help the team navigate through this difficult time
- Members resign as they think they’ve made a mistake accepting the role and that it’s just not a good fit for them
What is the leader’s role in this phase?
- In the storming stage, leaders must be active in managing conflicts and facilitating productive discussions. It’s a stage where differences of opinion and competition for leadership positions may arise.
- Leaders should encourage open and respectful communication, mediate conflicts, and ensure that all team members’ voices are heard. They need to foster an environment where disagreements lead to constructive outcomes.
Phase 3 – The Norming Phase
When does the Norming Phase commence?
- Things start to settle down
- Team members solve their conflict amicably
- Team members agree to disagree
- Team members return to being respectful towards each other
Common traits of a team in the Norming Phase
- Traits from both the Forming and Storming phases are present as things start to settle down
- The team starts to work towards a common goal
- The focus moves from personal issues with each other to the project or task at hand
What is the leader’s role in this phase?
- As the team moves into the norming stage, leaders can start to take a more supportive role. Team members are developing cohesion and norms for working together.
- Leaders should continue to support open communication but can begin to delegate more tasks and responsibilities to team members. They should encourage collaboration and reinforce positive behaviours.
Phase 4 – The Performing Phase
When does the Performing Phase commence?
- Teams start hitting goals together
- The team is fully functioning
Common traits of a team in the Performing Phase
- Teams understand each other strengths and weaknesses
- Team members are confident and internally motivated
- Team works autonomously
- The team performs well and is an example to other teams
What is the leader’s role in this phase?
- In the performing stage, leaders should provide autonomy to the team as they are now self-sufficient. However, they still play a vital role in providing resources, removing obstacles, and offering support.
- Leaders should focus on providing the necessary resources and recognition for the team’s achievements. They should step in if any issues or barriers arise that could hinder the team’s progress.
Phase 5 – The Adjourning Phase
When does the Adjourning Phase commence?
- The project comes to an end
- A team member leaves the team
- The team is disbanded
Common traits of a team in the Adjourning Phase
- Signs of grief
- Productivity may decline
- Sadness that the project is over
- Disbelief that a team member is leaving
What is the leader’s role in this phase?
- During the adjourning stage, leaders help the team celebrate their successes and manage the transition as the team disbands.
- Leaders should acknowledge the team’s accomplishments, express appreciation for their efforts, and assist with the transition of team members to new roles or projects. Providing closure and support is essential in this stage.
