October 15, 2018 – Team Formation (Part 1)
Have you ever wondered why you can’t get your team motivated to accomplish a goal or task? Take a look at Tuckman’s Team Development Stages to help you move your team forward.
You can’t expect a new team to perform well when it first comes together. A new team is in the FORMING Stage and forming a team takes time. The leader helps the team develop, clarifies roles and responsibilities, identifies goals and builds trust. The team’s performance is limited as they form.
The second stage is STORMING. As the team comes together there can be a struggle for power and control. This is normal! The leader helps the team by providing encouragement and feedback; challenges the team to address the issues and focus on building relationships and trust. During this stage there may be minimal progress towards goals as the team is learning to work together.
The third stage is NORMING. The team realizes they are in this together. As the team demonstrates their accountability and progress towards achieving their goals, the leader can relinquish control and serve as a supportive guide. Teams experience a growing sense of team spirit, develop trust, support each other, show respect, have open communication and focus on the group, not the individual.
Next week we will examine the last two stages of Tuckman’s Team Development Stages.
Take a few moments to discuss with your team about your current stage. Is your team forming, storming or norming?
– Janet Leatherwood, CNO.
Leave a Reply