Originally, Tuckman’s model was just an observation of how groups naturally evolve, whether or not they’re aware of it. But the real power of this model lies in understanding which stage your team is in and helping it move forward in a way that supports collaboration. In reality, teams are always forming and changing—each time something shifts, like a new member joining or someone missing meetings, the team can slide into a different stage. For example, a team that was smoothly Norming or Performing might drop back into Storming due to these changes. Being aware of this process helps team leaders guide the group back to Performing as quickly as possible.

Let’s have a closer look at what happens inside the group at every stage.

The Forming stage is where it all begins! This is when the team first comes together. Everyone’s figuring out what the project is about, getting to know each other, and figuring out how they’ll work together.

What’s Happening in This Stage?

• First Impressions: Everyone is polite and careful, trying to make a good impression.
• Learning the Rules: The team sets ground rules and defines goals.
• Excitement + Nerves: There’s a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness about what’s ahead.

How It Feels:

• A Little Awkward: People might feel unsure about their role or how to act.
• Curious and Hopeful: Everyone’s excited to see how things will work out.

How to Succeed in This Stage:

1. Break the Ice: Do fun team activities to get comfortable with each other.
2. Set Clear Goals: Make sure everyone knows what the team wants to achieve.
3. Share Ideas: Be open about your thoughts and listen to others.

Tips for Leaders or Guides:

• Help the team understand the project and their roles.
• Be approachable and answer questions to ease everyone’s nerves.

The Forming stage is all about getting started and building the foundation for the team to succeed.

The Storming stage is when things start to get real. Differences in opinions, personalities, or work styles can create tension. This phase can feel messy, but it’s a normal part of building a strong team.

What’s Happening in This Stage?

• Conflict Alert: People might argue about ideas, roles, or how to get things done.
• Growing Pains: Misunderstandings and frustrations can pop up.
• Figuring It Out: The team is learning how to work together despite challenges.

How It Feels:

• Frustrating: Tension and disagreements can make things stressful.
• Challenging: It might feel like you’re not making progress.

How to Succeed in This Stage:

1. Stay Respectful: Disagreeing is okay, but listen and be kind.
2. Solve Problems Together: Work as a group to find solutions.
3. Be Patient: This stage takes time, but it’s worth it.

Tips for Leaders or Guides:

• Help resolve conflicts and remind everyone of the team’s goals.
• Encourage open communication and respect.

The Storming stage helps the team figure out how to handle challenges and work better together.

The Norming stage is when things start to click. The team begins to feel like a well-oiled machine, with everyone understanding their roles and how to work together.

What’s Happening in This Stage?

• Team Vibes: Trust is growing, and everyone’s on the same page.
• Stronger Processes: The group establishes routines and gets into a flow.
• Shared Leadership: Everyone takes responsibility for the team’s success.

How It Feels:

• Supportive: Team members trust and rely on each other.
• Focused: There’s more energy for getting things done.

How to Succeed in This Stage:

1. Keep Communicating: Share ideas, give feedback, and listen to others.
2. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge milestones and teamwork.
3. Strengthen Connections: Build strong relationships within the group.

Tips for Leaders or Guides:

• Encourage teamwork and step back to let the group lead.
• Provide feedback when needed but let the team take ownership.

The Norming stage is all about building trust and finding the rhythm to work efficiently.

The Performing stage is where the magic happens! The team reaches its peak, working together smoothly and smashing goals like pros.

What’s Happening in This Stage?

• Top Performance: The team is highly productive and efficient.
• True Teamwork: Members collaborate effortlessly and adapt to challenges.
• Self-Management: The team doesn’t need much guidance—they know what to do.

How It Feels:

• Empowering: Everyone feels confident and valued.
• Fun and Creative: The team’s energy is high, and the vibe is positive.

How to Succeed in This Stage:

• Keep the Momentum: Stay focused and keep pushing forward.
• Share Leadership: Everyone contributes ideas and supports each other.
• Reflect and Improve: Look for ways to make things even better.

Tips for Leaders or Guides:

• Provide support when needed but let the team lead themselves.
• Celebrate wins and recognize everyone’s contributions.

The Performing stage is when the team is at its best, making amazing things happen together.

The Reforming stage, also called “Adjourning,” is when a team finishes their work and gets ready to part ways. It happens when a project is wrapping up, like the last week of school or the final steps of a group assignment. This phase is all about closing things out, reflecting on what’s been done, and saying goodbye to the team.

What’s Happening in This Stage?

• Final Touches: The team focuses on finishing up tasks, making sure everything is completed.
• Changes Ahead: The group might break up or shift to a new purpose.
• Energy Ups and Downs: Sometimes, there’s a big push to finish strong, but it’s often followed by a slowdown as everyone gets ready to move on.

How It Feels:

• Bittersweet Vibes: You might feel proud of what you’ve accomplished but sad that it’s all coming to an end.
• Coping with Humor: Jokes might get a little edgy—it’s a way for people to deal with the end.
• Sense of Loss: Leaving the team can feel weird because you’ve built connections and now have to let go.

How to End on a High Note:

1. Look Back: Take time to think about what the team did well and what you learned.
2. Wrap It Up: Make sure all tasks are done and nothing is left unfinished.
3. Celebrate: Whether it’s a small win or a big one, take a moment to recognize everyone’s effort.
4. Reflect Together: Share what you’ve gained from working with the team and how it’ll help you in the future.

The Role of Leaders or Guides:

• Support the Goodbye: They help everyone navigate this stage with empathy and respect.
• Encourage Reflection: Leaders create space for the team to talk about their journey and lessons learned.
• Celebrate Together: They might organize a small event or give shoutouts to everyone for their hard work.

Why This Stage Matters:

The goal of this phase is to close things out in a way that feels good for everyone. It’s a chance to celebrate what the team achieved and take those lessons with you into the next project or opportunity.

Heads-Up on Challenges:

• Emotions Run High: Feeling sad or unsure is totally normal, so be kind to yourself and others.
• Stay Motivated: Even when the end is near, try to keep up the energy to finish strong.
• What’s Next?: Thinking about the future can feel overwhelming, but it’s also exciting!

The Reforming stage is like the final chapter of a really good book—bittersweet, but also satisfying. It’s a time to recognize how much you’ve grown, celebrate the good stuff, and move forward with confidence.

Source: https://nulab.com/learn/project-management/strengthen-team-using-drucker-exercise-tuckman-model/

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.