The Phases of Group Development

Sohini Paul
2 days ago
4 min read

An essential concept for every leader and faciilitator

Psychologist Bruce Tuckman's seminal work, "Developmental Sequence in Small Groups," published in 1965, remains a cornerstone in understanding group dynamics. His model, which outlines the phases of group development, is as relevant today as it was then. It traces the journey of team members from strangers to a high-functioning team, with a fifth phase, "adjourning," marking the end of the team's journey.

Understanding how team dynamics evolve is crucial for a team leader or manager. By actively supporting your team as they navigate the different phases of group development, you can foster collaboration and effective teamwork more rapidly.

Forming:

The first phase of group development is forming. In this phase, individual members get to know each other, and a group process is still needed. As a result, they are still determining how they will interact and work together. Each person is trying to figure out their role in the team. The questions that come to people's minds are - "Will I fit in?", "What is my role and responsibility, and my goals?" "What does the organisation offer me?" Though filled with uncertainties, this phase also holds the potential for growth and development, setting the stage for a high-performing team.

A group is not yet a group but a set of individuals who want to establish personal identity within the group, make an impression, and show their capabilities.
Each has an agenda and expertise. There needs to be more shared experience.
Members get to know each other and begin to form impressions. In this phase, they are usually cheerful and polite.
There is high motivation and expectation, and members are excited about the task ahead. However, there are some insecurities as roles still need to be clarified. There is anxiety and uncertainty.
Individuals begin to focus on the task at hand and discuss its objectives.
The group is starting to evolve ground rules for future decisions and actions.
The team leader needs to take up a leading role.

Storming:

This phase is the most complex and critical to pass through. In the storming phase, people start to push against the set boundaries. Conflict or tension can arise between team members as their actual characters – and preferred ways of working –come to the fore, and there is confrontation with other people. Team performance may decrease during this phase by spending time and energy on unproductive activities. To get through this phase, members must work together to overcome difficulties, accept differences, and work through conflicting ideas on team tasks and goals. Not addressing conflicts and tensions increases the potential for long-term problems, underscoring the urgency of the team leader's intervention.

The team members get to know each other better as time goes by.
People challenge personal principles and values. There are conflicts and tensions within the team and a lack of unity.
Conflict and competition are at their greatest, possibly due to different natural working styles. Friction or tension in the team increases around uncertainties, members do not follow rules, and arguments can happen.
Individual team or group members can become hostile toward each other and express their individuality by pursuing or revealing personal interests. Sympathies and antipathies can strengthen.
Team members raise expectations more directly.
Occasionally, members challenge the team leader's role.
The team leader must address the underlying issues, consult with the group, and decide.
Conversations about expectations and a few ground rules often help. The team leader needs to show leadership skills.

Norming:

In the norming phase, team members resolve their differences, appreciate one another's strengths, and respect the leader's authority as consensus develops around who the leader or leaders are. A sense of cohesion and unity emerges. Team performance increases during this phase as members learn to cooperate and focus on team goals. However, the harmony is precarious, and if disagreements re-emerge, the team can slip back into storming.

Uncertainties reduce gradually.
It is characterised by overcoming tensions and developing group cohesion by establishing norms and practices.
Group members accept the group and each other, and they set ground rules, reducing dissatisfaction.
Group allegiance develops, and the group strives to maintain it.
The development of group spirit and harmony becomes essential; the group becomes a cohesive unit; and team efficiency goes up, as in storming, it was low.
There is clarity regarding the place of each team member and their status. Members are flexible and independent and trust each other as there is a sense of security.
The team leader is vital in bringing the team to the next level.

Performing:

In the performing phase, the team is in flow and performing to its full potential. It is mature, organised and well-functioning. The team will likely achieve its goals effectively with hard work and structured processes.

The team notched up a higher level of performance with maturity and optimum productivity. Even under pressure, it still performs well.
They have well-established work relations, resolve differences, and appreciate colleagues' strengths.
Group members are unified, loyal and supportive. They focus on task completion and achievement.
The team members take on roles to fulfil the team activities since they have now learnt to relate to one another.
Roles become flexible and functional, and new insights and solutions emerge.
There is a sense of belongingness of "We are a team ". Team members are in the process of becoming a "One Spirit Team" or a High-Performance Team.
The team leader is usually highly accepted and is the heart of the team

Note that if a group is already functioning and a new member is joining the team, it is relatively easy to integrate this new member. Hence, the forming and storming stages are shorter. If, for example, a new team exists like a project team, they will go into full swing through the phases.