Five Stages of Team Development
Five Stages of Team Development
Through the development of an effective team there are five main stages that all teams must go through to maximize their potential. The first main stage, forming, is to bring a group together for one purpose. Second stage, storming, is to figure out the differences of the group and finding a way to work through those differences. Third stage, norming, is to come to an understanding of those differences and how to effectively work together. Fourth stage, performing, is to try to work towards the common goal that was agreed upon during the initial stage. Last stage, adjourning, is once the goal that was set apart in the first stage is accomplished the team disbands.
1st Stage, Forming the Right Group
Forming the right group of individuals takes a lot of trial and error. During my first few months working in the electronic and connection center department of Wal-Mart, I had to work closely with my fellow manager to find a solution on how we could bring this group of people to the next level. One idea we came up with, was that we had to get along with each other. If we didn’t as their leaders show respect to one another, there would be no way that we should expect them to find a common ground to work from. Once she and I found a way to work with each other, we then focused our efforts on the team members that we were over.
2nd Stage, Storming the Group
Storming is the time that team members really build that bond that can truly make them great. The time that she and I spent working with each member of the team was truly educational. We spoke with them and learned their strengths and weaknesses that they brought to the table; with that information we knew how to effectively use each member of the team and on the areas we needed to improve on with the team.
Team Building Exercise
3rd Stage, Norming as a leader
Norming is a very brief stage for a leader that has done the necessary work in the first two stages. By the time we came to an understanding on how to effectively use our team, it was easy to evolve into working for our common goal of being the best department that Wal-Mart had to offer.
4th Stage, Performing with the group
Performing is the stage where the majority of the time should be spent in the five stages of team development. Through a lot of hard work, training, and working out the differences that we all had, it was easy to transition into working as a team, because all the members of our team knew where to go if they had a question about a certain area in our departments. This has led us into being a very cohesive family group where all members can feel that they are a part of something great.
5th Stage, Adjourning with the team
Adjourning is the stage where the team disbands after the members have completed their assigned task or solved the problem. During the course of our time together, she and I have seen many team members come and go. It is our responsibility to review the stages of team development with each member of our team to bring out the most potential that the new members may bring to the table.
