Late Nights with Trav and Los

The Stages of Group Development

Episode Summary

Los gives us some insight into an idea coined in 1965 about the different stages groups go through when in a group.

Episode Notes

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