Team Dynamics: The value of forming, storming, norming to drive success

In the world of team management and achieving great performance, it is important to understand the various stages that a team can go through in order to reach its maximum potential.

The concept of team dynamics can be divided into four stages: forming, storming, norming, and performing.

The origin of this work has been confirmed many times and is credited to Tuckman.

Here is the starting source to the best of my knowledge.

Forming Stage

The forming stage is the initial stage in the development of a team.

During this stage, team members are polite, courteous, and respectful towards one another. They are still in the process of getting to know one another and trying to determine the team's purpose and goals. Communication during this stage is typically surface level and superficial, with team members avoiding controversial or sensitive topics.

Storming Stage

Once team members have become more familiar with one another, the storming stage begins.

During this stage, conflicts may arise as team members begin to voice their opinions and ideas. This stage can be challenging, as team members may feel frustrated or even hostile towards one another. However, it is important to understand that the storming stage is a normal part of team development and can lead to greater clarity and understanding among team members.

Norming Stage

After the storming stage, the team will typically move into the norming stage.

During this stage, team members have usually worked out their differences and have come to a better understanding of one another. Communication improves and team members begin to work together more effectively. Collaboration and cooperation are the hallmarks of this stage, and the team becomes more cohesive and productive.

Performing Stage

The final stage of team development is the performing stage.

During this stage, the team has fully developed its sense of identity and purpose and is able to work together effectively to achieve its goals. Communication is open, honest, and effective, and team members are able to rely on one another and trust each other. The team is now able to work independently and without constant supervision, and can produce results that are greater than the sum of its individual parts.

These stages of team development are not linear

We often see teams move between the phases as new team members join or leave, new data is discovered, or any number of other adjustments. 

What we’ve learned through doing this many times is that, the stages of forming, storming, norming, and performing are important for team managers and team members to understand in order to help their team reach its maximum potential.

By being aware of these stages and how they can impact team dynamics, individuals can take steps to address any issues that may arise and help their team move through each stage to reach the performing stage. By doing so, teams can work together more effectively and achieve greater success.