Team Development Trends - “Form, Storm, Norm, Perform” All teams go through phases that can make or break the outcome of a season! This is more apparent for new, or first year teams, and is known as the “Form, Storm, Norm, Perform” phases. Here is a brief description of each phase. It is really helpful as a member of a team, or a parent of a player on a team, to understand these phases, and understand that the progression is natural! Forming In the first stage of team building, the forming of the team takes place. The individuals behavior is driven by a desire to be accepted by the others, and avoid controversy or conflict. Serious issues and feelings are avoided, and people focus on being busy with routines, such as team organization, who does what, when to meet, etc. Individuals are also gathering information and impressions – about each other, and about what is expected and how to approach it. This is a comfortable stage to be in, but the avoidance of conflict means that not much actually gets done. Storming The storming stage is necessary to the growth of the team. It can be contentious, unpleasant and even painful to members of the team. Tolerance of each team member and their differences should be emphasized. Without tolerance and patience the team will fail. This phase can become destructive to the team and will lower motivation if allowed to get out of control. Some teams will never develop past this stage. Leaders of the team during this phase should be more accessible, to allow and assist the team members in resolving their differences, so members will be able to participate with one another more comfortably. The ideal is that they will not feel that they are being judged, and will therefore share their opinions and views. It is normal for tension, struggle and sometimes arguments to occur. Norming In this phase, the team manages to develop and focus on one goal, and come to a mutual plan for the team. Some may have to give up their own ideas and agree with others to make the team function. In this stage, all team members take responsibility, focus on the goal, and have the ambition to work for the success of the team. Performing Finally, we get to the performing stage. High-performing teams can function as a unit as they find ways to get the job done smoothly and effectively without inappropriate conflict. By this time, they are motivated and knowledgeable. The team members are now competent, autonomous, understand their roles and tasks, and perform them with little supervision. Dissent is expected and allowed as long as it is channeled through means acceptable to the team. Think about the teams yopu have been on during your life, at work or at play! Did they not go through these phases?
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 22:02:29 +0000
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