How to Use the Principles of Team Development at Work

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When a team gets together and begins a new project, they typically go through five stages that mark their growth and development. The five stages of team development, first introduced by Bruce Wayne Tuckman in 1965, provide insight into the ways team members learn to work together, overcome challenges and develop new strategies as a project progresses. This article explains the five stages of team development that are essential to a group working as a unit and delivering quality results when given a task.

What are the five stages of team development?

Here are the five stages of team development: 

  1. Forming. The first stage is the formation stage in which all members meet each other and start to learn about the project. As team members get to know each other, they likely choose a leader in this stage.
  2. Storming. This is the process of everyone finding their place within the group. Disputes and conflicts tend to happen more easily in this stage as team members reveal different work styles. It’s especially important to overcome the obstacles in this stage, as doing so can prevent problems later in the project and instill a sense of collaboration among the team.
  3. Norming. This is when the team starts to settle in and work together more effectively. Any problems that arose during the storming stage are typically resolved by this point.
  4. Performing. The fourth stage is when the team has firmly established their project goals and deadlines. By this stage, each team member should also have clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
  5. Adjourning. In the adjourning stage, the project has come to a close. The team either breaks up to join other projects or starts a new project. 

All of these stages play an important role in how a team dynamic comes together. By understanding these stages, you can help create more efficient development among your team. 

Why is team development important for work?

By understanding the five stages of team development, you can be actively aware of how teams develop and become successful. You can use this understanding to set up better teams and get through challenges more smoothly. Fully understanding and recognizing each stage can also make it easier to determine how to delegate tasks within your team.

The five stages often take place in any type of team, so being able to navigate through the tough parts is what ultimately helps ensure the project’s success. By understanding the five stages of team development, you can start your projects with a strong vision and goal. 

How to use the principles of team development at work

Follow these steps to properly recognize and use the five stages of team development in your next project:

1. First, use the forming stage to introduce team members

The first stage of team development is the point in which the team members meet one another. Team members often use this time to share something about their backgrounds, experiences and interests in order to foster a sense of familiarity and collaboration. 

In this stage, the team will also learn about the project they’ve been assigned to and start to discuss their objectives and goals. Each team member will be considering what role they will take in the group, learning where they will work best in the team dynamic. During this stage, most teams choose a leader to delegate tasks and guide the process until the project is finished. To help the first stage go smoothly, make sure everyone has gotten to know the other team members and their work styles. 

2. Second, emphasize the importance of collaboration in the storming stage

The storming stage comes when the team gets started on the project, but conflicts and differing opinions have started to arise. Most teams encounter a distinct storming stage at some point, especially if the team has never worked together before. The team members all have their own opinions of how and what should be done to get to the goal, and as a result, competition will emerge. 

Gently guide your team through this part of the process. As the team competes, it should be your goal to get everyone on the right task to coordinate the project successfully. It will also help to ensure all members listen to one another and respect the differences among each person’s work style. A good team contains a mix of different people for this very reason, as it helps to encourage new and unique ideas. If your team can make it through the storming stage successfully, you have a much better chance of finishing your project strongly.

3. Third, establish roles and responsibilities in the norming stage

The next stage of team development comes when the team members begin to settle into their roles, and everyone has overcome any conflicts that came up during the storming stage. As time goes on, the team continues to grow and work naturally together, creating a workflow that is acceptable for everyone.

During the norming stage, make sure everyone feels comfortable with the tasks they’ve been given. Encourage regular communication so that everyone has a clear understanding of their responsibilities in the project.

4. Fourth, encourage continued growth in the performing stage

In the performing stage, everyone is devoted to reaching their goal as a group, and the team members have grown closer on a personal level. When the team members trust one another and rely on each other, it often leads to stronger work performance. Similarly, when there are disagreements, the team can now quickly address the issue and move on. 

At the performing stage, you can shift your focus to monitoring progress and assisting in group decisions. You may want to stay aware of team dynamics and help solve any problems that do arise, but in general, you should be able to focus on finishing up your project at this point.

5. Lastly, reflect on the project in the adjourning stage

The adjourning stage of team development is when the team’s project is coming to an end. Each of the team members may be moving onto new projects and teams. At this stage of development, take some time to reflect on the project with your team. Celebrate successes and learn from things that could have been performed better. Use what you’ve learned from this project to develop even more cohesive teams in the future.