Group Formation Theory

Introduction

This group formation theory is the brainchild of Bruce Tuckman. Tuckman suggested that for a group to develop into a successful team, it will need to progress through four stages: Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing.

The diagram below illustrates the four stages in Bruce Tuckman's Group Formation Theory

Forming

This stage is about the team forming:

• Team meets for the first time.
• The team tries to agree goals and objectives.
• The leader must coach at this time.
• Leader must try and establish team cohesion.

Storming

Once a team has completed the forming stage they will move onto storming

• Team brainstorms their purpose and what tasks needs to be addressed.
• Team members try to establish their roles within the group.
• Team members may also develop personal friendship.
• Leader still coaches at this stage.

Norming

During this stage team members are becoming accustomed to working with each other

• Reaching this stage may take a while depending on team dynamics and formation.
• Team members start to work fluently.
• They start to support each other.
• They agree on team value and rules and go with team consensus.
• There is improved motivation and the team may go on social events.

Performing

At this stage the team are now on the path to becoming a team that will work's together successfully.

• If the team is effective and reach this stage they'll get the job done.
• The task is completed without the guidance of the manager.
• The team can work independently and efficiently.
• Any disagreements are resolved within the team.

Conclusion

Forming, norming, storming and performing by Bruce Tuckman is a popular group formation theory. It is particularly useful for managers taking over a new team or for managers keen to overcome poor performance. The first step for team managers is to identify the stage their team is at, so that they can formulate a plan to move the team onto next stage. As a team progresses through each stage the manager's involvement reduces. At the forming stage a team requires lots of direction and instructions from their manager, whilst a performing team will only need management support on the rare occasion.