Team Work

The team lifecycle typically involves five stages that a team goes through from its formation to its disbandment. By understanding and effectively managing the team lifecycle stages, leaders can guide their teams through challenges and ensure successful collaboration and outcomes.

Team Lifecycle Stages

1. Forming
2. Storming
3. Norming
4. Performing
5. Adjourning

1. Forming

This is the initial stage where the team is formed. Members are introduced, and there’s a lot of excitement and uncertainty. People are polite and try to understand the team’s goals and their roles.  This stage will also happen when a new member joins a team.

Example: A new project team is created in a company to develop a marketing strategy. Team members meet for the first time, introduce themselves, and discuss their backgrounds. They are eager but unsure about how they will work together.

2. Storming

During this stage, conflicts and competition emerge as team members start to express their individual opinions and vie for positions and recognition. This can lead to tension and disagreements as people push against boundaries.

Example: The marketing team starts working on the project, and differences in opinions on the strategy lead to disagreements. Some members want a digital-focused approach, while others argue for traditional methods. This causes friction and some heated discussions.

3. Norming

The team begins to resolve conflicts, establish norms, and develop stronger relationships. There’s a sense of cohesion as roles become clearer, and collaboration improves.

Example: The team discusses their differences and agrees on a balanced marketing strategy that incorporates both digital and traditional methods. They establish guidelines for communication and decision-making, leading to better cooperation and mutual respect.

4. Performing

At this stage, the team operates efficiently towards achieving its goals. Members are competent, autonomous, and able to handle decision-making without supervision. There’s a high level of trust and collaboration.

Example: The marketing team is now working seamlessly, each member contributing effectively to their areas of expertise. They execute their strategy smoothly, meet deadlines, and achieve their project milestones with high quality and innovation.

5. Adjourning

This final stage occurs when the team’s project is completed, and the team disbands. Members reflect on their achievements and the experiences they’ve shared, and there’s a sense of closure.  This can also occur if a team member leaves.

Example: The marketing project is successfully completed, and the team presents their results to the company’s leadership. After celebrating their success, the team members are reassigned to different projects or teams. They take time to reflect on their learnings and express gratitude for the collaboration.

Tips for Navigating Each Stage

Forming: Facilitate introductions, clarify goals, and define roles to help members feel comfortable and understand their responsibilities.

Storming: Address conflicts openly, encourage respectful communication, and mediate disagreements to foster a positive environment.

Norming: Establish clear norms and guidelines, promote team-building activities, and recognise individual contributions to strengthen cohesion.

Performing: Empower team members, delegate tasks effectively, and provide the resources and support needed to maintain high performance.