Team Stages

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Forming - Storming - Norming - Performing - Mourning
From extensive research in group dynamics and the process of team building, we know a great deal about how teams operate. For instance, we know that teams go through relatively predictable stages. These stages are not hard and fast, but they suggest the sequence of activities in building a team. This sequence is traditionally called - Forming - Storming - Norming - Performing

Teams have a finite life. They form for a specific purpose and must disband once their mission is complete. Consequently there is a fifth and final stage, sometimes called Mourning. Achieving closure, acknowledging the end of a project and moving on is a vital part of the lifecycle of every team.

The following table describes aspects of the five stages.

Group Structure Task Activity

Forming Considerable anxiety, testing to discover the nature of the situation, what help can be expected from the facilitator, and what behaviours will be appropriate or inappropriate. What is the task?Members seek the answers to that basic question, together with knowledge of the rules and the methods to be employed.

Storming Conflict emerges among sub-groups; the authority and/or competence of individuals is challenged. Opinions polarise. Individuals react against efforts of the others to control them The value and feasibility of the task is questioned. People react emotionally against its demands.

Norming The group begins to harmonise; it experiences group cohesion or unity for the first time. Norms emerge as those in conflict are reconciled and resistance is overcome. Mutual support develops. Co-operation on the task begins; plans are made and work standards laid down. Commun-ication of views and feelings develop

Performing The group structures itself or accepts a structure which fits most appropriately its common task. Roles are seen in terms functional to the task and flexibility between them develops. Constructive work on the task surges ahead; progress is experience as more of the group’s energy is applied to being effective in the area of their common task.

Mourning The group must accept that the project is complete and disband gracefully. There may be a sense of loss and anxiety at having to break-up. The high that comes with successfully completing a task is diffused carefully via a "closure ceremony". This public celebration marks the formal end of the team.

These notes are a development of those originally prepared by Dr. Michael Emmison and Dr. Jim McKay of the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at The University of Queensland for use by student-led groups in SO104 - Introduction to Australian Society.

	Group Structure	Task Activity
Forming	Considerable anxiety, testing to discover the nature of the situation, what help can be expected from the facilitator, and what behaviours will be appropriate or inappropriate.	What is the task?Members seek the answers to that basic question, together with knowledge of the rules and the methods to be employed.
Storming	Conflict emerges among sub-groups; the authority and/or competence of individuals is challenged. Opinions polarise. Individuals react against efforts of the others to control them	The value and feasibility of the task is questioned. People react emotionally against its demands.
Norming	The group begins to harmonise; it experiences group cohesion or unity for the first time. Norms emerge as those in conflict are reconciled and resistance is overcome. Mutual support develops.	Co-operation on the task begins; plans are made and work standards laid down. Commun-ication of views and feelings develop
Performing	The group structures itself or accepts a structure which fits most appropriately its common task. Roles are seen in terms functional to the task and flexibility between them develops.	Constructive work on the task surges ahead; progress is experience as more of the group’s energy is applied to being effective in the area of their common task.
Mourning	The group must accept that the project is complete and disband gracefully. There may be a sense of loss and anxiety at having to break-up.	The high that comes with successfully completing a task is diffused carefully via a "closure ceremony". This public celebration marks the formal end of the team.

Last updated 1st January, 2000; ©The University of Queensland , 1997-2000