Building Effective Teams The 5 steps of team development

Click on a color to explore the characteristics of a team at that stage. Click on the arrows on each slide to advance Development Stages

Forming

Members look to leader for direction Members want acceptance Serious topics are avoided Team is task-orientation

This is a comfortable stage, but the avoidance of conflict and threat means that not much actually gets done. 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

Competition and conflict in personal relations dimension Organization in task dimension Differences in group behavior

This stage actually represents progress. As the group members attempt to organize for the task, conflict inevitably results. This period of unrest leads to organization in the task-functions dimension. Questions are often resolved.

Norming

Cohesion and functionality Preconceptions changed Leadership shared

Norming represents the beginning of cohesion; the group is coming together functionally. In this stage of data flow and cohesion, interactions are characterized by openness and sharing of information on both a personal and task level.

Performing

Interdependence Problem solving High energy

The team find solutions to problems using appropriate controls. Members work collaboratively, yet independently. They care about each other and the group establishes a unique identity.

Adjourning

Termination of tasks Disengagement from relationships Celebration

Adjourning is important for the group members’ sense of closure. There is typically are recap or review of what has been done or completed. It also involves disengagement from relationships. Conclusion usually includes recognition for participation and achievement and an opportunity for personal goodbyes.