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