Stages of Small Group Development

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Forming

• Desire for acceptance by the group

• Need to know that the group is safe

− Gather impressions about the similarities and differences among them

− Form preferences for future subgrouping

− Keep things simple and avoid controversy

− Serious topics and feelings are avoided

Storming• Group members attempt to

organize for the task

• Conflict inevitably results in personal relations

• Increased desire for structural clarification and commitment− Due to "fear of exposure" or "fear of

failure" − Although conflicts may or may not surface

as group issues, they do exist − Conflict will occur regarding leadership,

structure, power, and authority. − Some members may remain completely

silent while others attempt to dominate.

Norming• Cohesion based on trust

• A sense of group belonging and personal relief is felt

− Freely share feelings and ideas, solicit (ask questions) and give feedback to one another

− Willing to change their preconceived ideas or opinions

− Leadership is shared, and cliques dissolve

Performing• Not reached by all groups

• Capacity, range, and depth of personal relations expand to true interdependence

− Individual members are self-assuring without need for group approval

− Group identity is complete, group morale is high, and group loyalty is intense

− Genuine problem solving with support for experimentation and an emphasis on achievement

Adjourning

• Planned termination of task behaviors

• Disengagement from relationships

− Recognition for participation and achievement

− Say personal goodbyes

Attention

to Results

Accountability

Commitment

Productive Conflict

Trust

Trust - What to do???

• Personal histories

• Team effectiveness assessment and discussion

• 360 Degree Feedback

RISK

LOW

HIGH

Productive Conflict - What to do???

• Challenge activities−Let them happen

• Real time permission

• Mining

RISK

LOW

HIGH

Commitment - What to do???

• Cascading messaging

• Decisiveness in low risk situations

• Worst case scenarios

RISK

LOW

HIGH

Accountability - What to do???

• Publication of goals and standards

• Team reward

• Progress review

RISK

LOW

HIGH

Attention to Results – What to do???

• Operationally define results

• Public declaration of results

• Results-based rewards

RISK

LOW

HIGH

HARD WORK