The primary role of a team leader or team member in the forming stage of team development is to

1. Career Development
2. What Are the 5 Stages of Team Development? (With FAQs)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Published November 5, 2021

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Building, developing, and maintaining functional teams are priorities for companies that desire a more positive work environment. Regardless of your industry, team development involves supporting and training team members to reach a shared goal. Learning how to develop effective teams and the stages involved can improve workplace collaboration, teamwork, and productivity. In this article, we define the five stages of team development, explain why they're important, discuss how to navigate each team development stage, and provide helpful answers to questions about team development.

5 stages of team development

The five stages of team development refer to a framework for forming a cohesive group of individuals. They include:

1. Forming stage

The forming stage occurs at the beginning of a project. At this stage, team members are typically enthusiastic about the task ahead and polite. They may not yet understand how the team would collaborate to reach its shared goal and typically need more information on how they fit into the plans. The forming stage is an introductory period where teammates learn more about each other's skills, interests, and background and ask questions about the team. At this phase, the primary task is defining the team's goals, its direction, and members' roles to build trust.

Example: Every year, the Greenbriar Library hires interns to facilitate educational programs in the community. The new hires have an orientation day where they meet the supervisory staff and have interactive activities. Interns have the opportunity to discuss their background and education and start forming closer relationships. Aside from social activities, they also receive their assignment for the week and a guide on the library's policies. While educators and librarians review each intern's progress during weekly meetings, the focus is on defining expectations, duties, and responsibilities.

Related: How to Introduce Yourself to a New Team

2. Storming stage

The storming stage occurs when teammates begin to learn about each other and their preferences. Occasional conflicts on how to start a project or ways to approach a specific issue may arise due to differences in personality and work styles. Concerns about the team's progress and discussions on work constraints may also occur. While this stage may involve challenges, good team players use it to learn how to adjust their behaviours and expectations to ensure a mutually beneficial work environment.

Example: The Greenbriar Library interns are planning a weekly story time event and spend many hours collaborating on this task. During the team's discussions, the external relations interns feel discouraged that the teaching interns submitted lesson plans late. They inform the librarians that they now have less time to contact teachers. This creates a conflict for a few hours, but they eventually resolve the issue.

3. Norming stage

The norming phase occurs when teammates recognize one another's strengths and become more comfortable collaborating on projects. Team members typically ask for advice and feedback as they overcome previous conflicts. They also better understand their roles and the team's expectations while respecting its dynamics. At the norming stage, team members try to resolve conflicts consciously and are more eager to share ideas or opinions.

Example: The outreach interns schedule a meeting with the teaching interns and explain how they rarely have enough time to complete their tasks accurately. After their discussions, they determine a more suitable schedule. The interns recognize the team's dynamic and understand that they can only reach collective success by adapting to workplace changes.

Related: How to Build a Collaborative Team in an Organization

4. Performing stage

At the performing stage of a team's development, teammates build strong relationships and work more efficiently. The team reaches its highest productivity level and progresses toward the shared goal quickly. Team members also feel satisfaction in the team's progress and are more confident in their abilities and those of their teammates. At this stage, team members can typically prevent or solve issues related to the team's processes by performing varying roles whenever required.

Example: The Greenbriar Library interns become more comfortable with tasks and understand what activities to perform. As they better understand each other's strengths, they decide to work on a reading program targeting seniors. They plan the event and present it to the librarians for approval. Completing the reading program helped the interns feel part of a functional team.

5. Adjourning stage

While many teams collaborate on projects over long periods, others end their work relationship after completing a project or when an organization's needs change. At this stage, team members typically feel a sense of satisfaction with the team's accomplishments. They may also show concerns about ending work relationships and be uncertain about individual roles or future responsibilities. Good team players see the adjourning stage as a period to reflect on the team's achievements and experiences.

Example: After three months, the library internship ends, and everyone creates a report of their experience. Each intern presents their internship highlights at the end-of-year meeting and recognizes team members who positively influenced their internship. The librarians also create a report on how interns performed to encourage the next team to exceed performance expectations.

Why is successful team development important?

Developing a team is important for the following reasons:

• Increases productivity: Team development typically helps individuals work more effectively and complete tasks quickly.

• Improves collaboration: Well-developed teams often have members that understand each other's strengths and work purposefully.

• Enhances morale: Developing a team can help members form closer relationships and create a more positive work culture.

• Improves communication: Team development can enhance communication and relationship-building at work. If teammates understand different communication styles, they're often more respectful of different approaches.

Navigating the stages of team development

If you're responsible for a team, here are ways to ensure successful team development:

At the forming stage

As a team leader, ensure you clearly communicate the project's details and expectations. Consider using icebreaker questions to help team members feel more comfortable while introducing themselves. Icebreaker questions are inquiries encouraging a listener to engage in a conversation to know them better. For example, you may ask the following:

• What's your favourite holiday?

• How would your friends describe you?

• What book are you currently reading?

• Who's your celebrity look alike?

At the storming stage

As the storming stage may occasionally lead to tension between team members, clearly define each member's roles and responsibilities. This can help prevent challenges and ensure everyone respects the boundaries you set. You can also divide goals into achievable milestones to help team members adjust to the collaborative work environment.

At the norming stage

Evaluate the team's processes and productivity to ensure activities progress as planned. Look for opportunities to provide leadership support. For example, if you discover the team needs training on a software program, you can facilitate training sessions.

At the performing stage

When you notice the team's steady progress, encourage members to improve their knowledge and skills. You also want to measure and celebrate achievements. For example, if a team meets its target for the year, you can send a thank-you note or publicly recognize their efforts.

At the adjourning stage

As work relationships end, ensure the team completes all ongoing tasks. Then appreciate each member's contributions and reflect on areas for improvement or lessons learned. Doing this can provide useful insights for future teams.

FAQs about team development

Here are useful responses to questions about developing a team:

What is the difference between team development and team building?

Team building is the process of creating a group of individuals who work together on projects. It often involves fun and motivational activities, exercises, tasks, and systems to promote collaboration. In comparison, team development is the act of supporting individuals previously placed in groups to work as a functional unit.

Related: What Is Team Building? (Why It's Important and Tips)

What tips can help improve team development?

Here are the best practices to help you develop a team:

• Select the right individuals for your team.

• Encourage team members to participate in tasks to learn new skills and gain experiences.

• Provide the resources necessary to complete tasks and work together.

• Prepare to mediate during conflicts and act as a facilitator during challenges.

Related: How to Build a Successful Team in 8 Steps

What are team norms?

Team norms are behaviours guiding members on how to complete tasks. They're standards on work performance and attitudes while working as a group. Whether norms are unwritten or naturally occurring, it's essential you write them to ensure everyone understands your expectations. Doing this can help encourage team members to show more accountability. Aim to create only positive norms during the norming stage of team development.