Team Development

In the course of the team building training I had the privilege to attend as a junior auditor, I was taught that every team must go through a number of developmental stages. I was introduced to Bruce Tuckman's “Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing” model of group development.

It means teams must first identify prospects and challenges, and then agree on goals before embarking upon tasks. Secondly, members of the team must be willing to boost their tolerance level for stupid bullshits, accept differences and appreciate constructive ideas, even if seemingly controversial.

Thirdly, team members must be willing to take responsibility, knowing that the success of the team is greater than personal egos. Fourthly, the team is now on its toes, everyone reasonably competent and aware of processes. At this stage, the apparent unity of the team doesn’t mean there will be no dissent, but it should be seen as constructive rather than one to be nervy about.

Unfortunately, I have observed that most of today’s teams hardly develop past the second (Storming) stage, and weird enough, they don’t want to call it off either, so shit becomes chaotic, each member using annoyances and intimidating tactics to dishearten and upset the others. This is why a lot of teams fail even when success should’ve been fairly easy to achieve.

I overstand a fifth stage was added, called the “Adjourning” sometimes “Mourning” stage. It is said to be the stage when goals are fulfilled and successes are recognised. But I am saying “Mourning” also means: screw patience and call it quits if it is taking your team forever to make progress. I think it is sometimes healthier than remaining a part of a team whose best is never good enough.