Behavioral psychologist Bruce Tuckman came up with a team-building model in 1965. In this theory, he recognizes that groups don’t form overnight. According to Human Resources, he uses 5 different phases to describe the process. Groups shapeshift and form into dynamic collaborators with one goal in mind. The framework has helped team leaders across many industries, including health and social care, the military, and software development. After learning about Tuckman’s model, we’ll show you how to facilitate the team development process. What are the 5 stages of team development?
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
Adjourning
Forming
During the Forming phase, team members are excited to be a part of the team although they may have their personal interests in mind. They size up their teammates and evaluate their own capabilities. Behaviors they may exhibit include questioning and feeling anxious to be onboard a new team. Tasks could include establishing a goal and clear structure. This is the part when they decide which direction to take the next move. The team doesn’t accomplish much during this phase, as it’s the initial introduction. Expert Base suggests mapping everything out explicitly and being very clear about each person’s role.
Storming
After the Forming phase comes the Storm… ing phase. This is when the members experience frustration from beginning the tasks at hand. They may even express concerns about meeting the goals or run into conflict. Behaviors include expressing frustration and maybe engaging in arguments. They may form cliques, which may hinder the team’s progress. To break out of this phase, the team is encouraged to realign with their goals. Shawn Stratton, the founder of an organization helping people unlock their full potential, suggests normal one-on-one check-ins. These types of meetings will encourage honesty and insight into the group. Furthermore, it’s crucial the mentor stay confident and positive during this phase, according to GSU.
Norming
When conflicts start to lessen and the team begins to work with each other, they are entering the Norming phase. They reach resolutions and feel part of a group. Furthermore, constructive criticism is both welcomed and received well. Cohesion increases as the group starts to work through their dynamic organically. Behaviors may include a conscious effort to achieve group harmony and have more meaningful conversations. Teammates aren’t afraid to ask each other for help. According to PSU, presentations in this phase work smoothly since everyone is focused on one goal.
Performing
The Performing phase gives teammates confidence in themselves as well as the capabilities of their fellow teammates. Everyone is aware of their own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of others. They’re satisfied with the group’s progress. According to Office Vibe, the team is performing at the highest level; this is their peak. Behaviors include offering assistance to one another. Differences amongst the group are appreciated and utilized to enhance performance.
Adjourning
Lastly, the Adjourning phase brings bittersweet feelings as team members finish up the tasks at hand. They may be anxious and feel uncertain about their future responsibilities. They may be sad to see the team disperse but satisfied with their accomplishments as a team. Different emotions take over and cycle through. Behaviors include a drop in productivity or an increase in productivity. This is because different teammates respond differently. To cope with the loss of the team and wrap up the project, some members may increase productivity while others decrease productivity. In the end, deliverables are the focus and reflected upon. ccording to Team Building World, teammates deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their success.
Great leaders are familiar with the stages of this process and constantly try to improve to enhance the performance of their teams. How can you facilitate the team development process? The five-stage model of team development is one that can be made easier using eUnite’s app, atwork. The system was created specifically with businesses in mind to help arrive to the Performance phase as quickly as possible. The collaboration and communication platform offers a variety of tools needed to streamline the process.
Forming
With the atwork app, your team will be prompted to agree to your company’s policies upon onboarding. This saves you, the team leader, time, paperwork, and effort! To move on to the next phases, teams can chat using our app or even attend a webinar hosted by the leader.
Storming
To address the Storming phase and keep conflict to a minimum, atwork offers the Announcement feature. With this feature, you can keep your team on track by posting updates and reminders. That way, everybody can get the memo as soon as they open the atwork app.
Norming
To facilitate the Norming phase, try using the Feed and survey feature in atwork. You can easily create surveys with varying question types to better gain insight into your team’s needs. You can now stay on the same page.
Performing
During the Performing stage, you can use atwork’s chat, meeting, and file sharing/versioning features to aid in group performance. Since groups are most active in the Performing phase, they can greatly benefit from a reliable means of communication. Video calls, specifically, are great for groups during this collaborative phase.
Adjourning
Although the Adjourning phase can be somber, it can also be a time to celebrate achievements. With eUnite’s atwork app, you can recognize achievements with the Announcement feature. Give your teammates the credit they deserve and post about their success on the Announcement board. Furthermore, the Adjourning phase may be an appropriate time to collect feedback utilizing the survey feature. When teammates have completed their employment, the app automatically disables access to ensure privacy then reopens the license for potential future members. atwork’s framework supports your daily duties, from team collaboration to managing a group. Consider using it if your priorities for app implementation include security, as atwork is encrypted end-to-end. If you’d like a free demo to see how the app works, you can request one through this link.
