Stages of Team Building

The different stages of team development are forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning.
Let's explore each stage and see how as a leader you can manage your staff to ensure that your team progresses through each stage of team building effectively.
Forming
This when a new team is created. It can be that the team has just been created for a particular project or as simple as a new person joining an existing team. During this stage team members are usually 'feeling' their way within the group. They will often be polite, keep feelings and strong opinions to themselves, and sometimes feel a little guarded.
Once team members feel as though they belong to the group, the forming stage is complete.
Storming
The second stage of team building is Storming. Staff members feel as though they are a part of the team and are now looking to resolve key differences within the team. Conflict or strong debate is usually a key indicator as team members look to find their place within the team by expressing key concerns, beliefs on how things need to be achieved, leadership responsibility and who is responsible for what.
As a leader, don't be afraid of the conflict that often results from this stage. If managed correctly it is a healthy process that can allow for teams to improve their understanding and value of differences. If however, as the leader, you don't manage the conflict appropriately, teams can often get stuck in this stage and struggle to progress.
As the team's conflict resolves and the implied leadership roles are accepted the storming stage of team building is complete.
Norming
This is the settling stage of team building. As team members settle into their implied roles, they start to feel good and identify with the team.
Team members start to share feelings, opinions and real cohesion starts to develop. Teams are starting to share success and develop personal relationships.
Performing
Having developed as a team, the performing stage sees the group as being fully developed. Often the hardest stage for teams to experience, it is characterised by staff working well with everyone, teams devoting their energy to getting the job done and a willingness to experiment with problem solving.
Adjourning
This is the final stage of team building. It involves the team either disbanding because their need or function is no longer required. For example they may have achieved their goals. Or the second reason for adjourning is that the norms that were previously developed may no longer be suitable for the team. This may be a result of a new team member leaving, a change in leadership or business function.
As a leader it is important to be aware of and appreciate the different stages of team building. By allowing a team to fulfil each stage requirement you are providing them with the foundation to move, grow and develop.

Article Source: http://www.newsarticlessite.com

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