The Stages of Group Development

Stages of Group Development

The idea behind this was developed in 1965 by a man named Bruce Tuckman

He identified 4 stages at first. Fifth was added later.

• Forming
  • Represents a time, just coming together
  • Anxiety and uncertainty
  • want to be accepted
  • conflict
  • controversy
  • personal opinions are avoided
  • the point and focus for group members during this stage is to become familiar with each other and their purpose, not on work.
    • Understanding of the group’s purpose
    • determining how the team will be organized
    • discussion of major milestones
    • outlining general group rules
    • discovery of what resources will be available for the group
• Storming
  • conflict and competition are at its greatest
  • they start to feel confident
  • begin to address some of the more important issues surrounding the group
  • group’s tasks
  • individual roles and responsibilites
  • group members
  • the more dominant group members emerege
  • less-confrontational suppress feelings
  • all members have an increased need for clarification
    • not many groups are able to move forward
    • they need clarity
• Norming
  • Group becomes a cohesive unit, morale is high
  • sense of community is established
  • remain focus on groups purpose or goal
  • members are flexible, interdependent and trust each other.
  • Leadership is shared, and
  • members are willing to adapt to the needs of the group
  • information flows seamlessly and is inhabited due to the sense of security members feel in the norming stage
• Performing
  • This is the peak of the group
  • this is marked by high productivity
  • group members are unified, loyal and supportive.
  • competence in all members is seen, allowing for a high level of autonomy in decision making.
  • the overall objective of the group in this stage is to complete their mission and fulfill their purpose through goal achievement
• Adjourning
  • once goals and objectives have been achieved
  • at this point it’s important to achieve closure for the group on a positive note
  • important to recognize the group members for their accomplishments and celebrate the group’s overall success