What are the stages of team development?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A key aspect of group development is the passage of time. Groups pass through critical periods, or times when they are particularly open to formative experiences. The first critical period is in the forming stage, at the first meeting, when rules and roles are established that set long-lasting precedents. A second critical period is the midway point between the initial meeting and a deadline (for instance, completing a project or making a presentation). At this point, the group has enough experience to understand its work; it comes to realize that time is becoming a scarce resource and the team must "get on with it"; and enough time remains to change its approach if necessary. In the initial meeting, the group should establish desired norms, roles, and other determinants of effectiveness. At the second critical period (the midpoint), groups should renew or open lines of communication with outside constituencies. The group can use fresh information from its external environment to revise its approach to performing its task and ensure that it meets customers' and clients' needs. Groups that deteriorate move to a declining stage, and temporary groups add an adjourning or terminating stage. Groups terminate when they complete their task or when they disband due to failure or loss of interest and new groups form, as the cycle continues.