Team stages

Team stages is a concept, first introduced by Bruce Wayne Tuckman, a psychologist, in 1965. The theory was given an official name, "Tuckman's Stages". Researching processes and dynamics inside teams is the groundwork for "Tuckman's Stages". Earlier in his findings, Tuckman determined four stages: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing. But several years later, fifth stage, Adjourning, was added to the theory.

Forming Stage

The Forming Stage is mainly for team members to get to know each other and to orient themselves in the new company. Level of uncertainty is relatively high, since some people are often reluctant to show emotions or engage in new relationships. Others can deviate from their normal behaviour in order to fit in and be respected, which can be problem in later stages. Several individuals may seek to become a leader and take command over the group. The goal of The Forming Stage is to identify the team's mission, allocate suitable roles for all group members, organise duties and responsibilities effectively. Developing a schedule for the project is also included in this stage, deciding the time for meetings, etc.

Storming Stage

The Storming Stage is considered to be the most challenging out of all the stages to go through. At this point team members are acquainted with the project, so conflicts between personalities appear. People start competing for authoritarian position in the group, which slows down overall progress and performance. In The Storming Stage a clear distinction between more and less dominant confrontational workers can be seen. The latter ones prefer to not enter arguments and remain neutral. In order to overcome this stage conflicts need to be addressed and dealt with. People tend to ask questions, that revolve around benefits and incentives policy, criteria for individual and group assessment, during this period of time. Those questions have to answered so that group members feel secure, committed and have a sense of belonging to team.

Norming Stage

The Norming Stage is a stage where previous conflicts are worked through and the group gains more of a united front. At this point, competition for the leadership position is over and the team has agreed on who gets to take that role. Communication in the workplace becomes less stressful and more easy-going, group members develop positive relationships. During The Norming Stage performance level grows, because efforts are targeted towards the project and the actual objectives, as opposed to interpersonal matters. At this point in the team-development process, regular group members might start to be interested in showing more initiative and creativity in their work. When this happens, it is important for the opinions and ideas to be considered and encouraged, as people feel valued and involved, which is beneficial for the project and the team dynamics.

Performing Stage

The Performing Stage is the stage when team members already have some experience working in this particular group, the structure of the group has been organised and proved to be effective. Cooperation in this stage is for successful functioning. Level of productivity is high, because all team members have a deeper understanding of their role and everyone is working towards the common goal. Some conflicts or difficult situations might come up in The Performing Stage, but it is easier to resolve them. Several new objectives or developments of the initial plan can emerge, as people aim to achieve the highest results possible.

Adjourning Stage

The Adjourning Stage takes place after the majority of the objectives have been achieved. Team members focus on making minor changes, developments, updates and finishing minor assignments, as well as assessing the results, comparing the expected outcomes with the actual ones. When the project has come to an end, group members are usually being moved onto different teams and projects. Often some form of gathering in honour of finishing the project is welcomed and good for people.