As the manager for a newly formed team, you want to help your team members get to an effective and high-performing state as quickly as possible.
1[■] His original model identified four stages that all groups pass through as they move from“newly formed”to“high-performance”teams. Those stages are Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.
During the Forming stage, members of the project team meet each other and learn about the tasks they need to perform.2[■] During this stage, it is critical for the project manager to provide structure and direction for the team. Clearly defining the project’s objectives and making sure each team member understands their role and responsibilities will help you lead the team through this stage successfully.
The Storming stage is characterized by interpersonal issues such as conflicts. During this stage it is common for team members to challenge each other, including the project manager! Team members may also question what they are doing and how it is being done. As the project manager, this will likely be the most challenging time leading your project. Understanding that this type of conflict is normal for any team will help you pass through this stage successfully. During this stage, some of the skills that help you build your team are conflict management, active listening, and relationship building.3[■]
As conflicts become less intense and the team members begin to understand and accept each other, the team will gradually move into the Norming stage. It is during this stage that your team starts to come together and is able to focus more effectively on the project tasks and objectives. 4[■] Communication and constructive response help you do this. You can continue your team building efforts by arranging social events with the team and making sure to give positive recognition to team members.
5[■] Interpersonal and structural issues have been settled and support task performance. Team performance is high during this stage.