Team development is actually a dynamic process because most teams are always in a continual state of change and they never reach stability. However, there is a general pattern to most team’s evolution. There are five stages of team development. The five stages are forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning.
1. Forming is the first stage of team development. In this stage, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the purpose, structure, and leadership of the group. The members of the group are trying to determine what kinds of behavior are acceptable.
2. Storming is the second stage of team development. In this stage, members accept the team’s existence, but they resist the control that the group imposes on individuality. In storming stage there is also a conflict over who will lead the team. When this stage is completed, the leadership within the team will be relatively clear.
3. Norming is the third stage of team development. This stage is complete when the structure of the team solidifies and the members of the team have assimilated a common set of expectations of work behaviors that are appropriate.
4. Performing is the fourth stage of team development. In this stage, the team structure is fully functional and accepted by the members of the team. They are able to use their energy to perform all necessary tasks together. Performing is the last stage of team development for permanent teams.
5. Adjourning is the fifth stage of team development for temporary teams. In this stage, the team prepares for its disbandment and the attention of the members is directed toward wrapping-up activities.
