To help teams—and those who support them—it is important to understand why and how certain dynamics unfold during team conversations and development.
Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development
Psychologist Bruce W. Tuckman (1965) developed a widely used model describing the natural phases teams move through as they grow and collaborate. His work supports the idea that teams must develop intentionally before reaching their full potential.
This framework highlights that teams rarely operate at peak performance immediately; instead, they progress through predictable stages as they build effectiveness.
The Four Original Stages
- Forming
Team members come together, learn about the goals, and begin building trust. - Storming
Differences surface, roles are negotiated, and conflict often emerges as the team shapes its identity. - Norming
Shared norms develop, collaboration strengthens, and team cohesion increases. - Performing
The team becomes high‑functioning, efficient, and effective in reaching its goals.
Later Addition: The Fifth Stage
Adjourning (or Mourning) Introduced later by Tuckman to describe the final phase when a team disbands, closes out work, or transitions.
These stages can also be applied to teams of any kind who are working toward a collective goal. Consider any group of individuals, families, personal partnerships, or members that evolves over time.
Additional Resources
- MindTools: Forming–Storming–Norming–Performing Overview
A practical, easy‑to‑read summary of Tuckman’s model with examples of what each stage looks like in real teams. The page also includes tips and tools for leaders to help teams move through stages more effectively.
- Original Scholarly Article — Tuckman, B. W. (1965)
This foundational research paper presents the original four-stage team development model based on a systematic review of small‑group studies. It offers theoretical grounding for understanding team behavior and remains one of the most cited works in group dynamics.
- MIT Human Resources: Stages of Team Development
A practical workplace-focused explanation of Tuckman’s stages, including behaviors to expect and guidance for managers supporting team progress. MIT HR provides concrete examples that translate theory into everyday team management.