The Concept of Bruce Tuckman’s Stages of a Team’s life cycle
are that all teams must go through a process of forming, storming, norming and
performing to reach the level of performance necessary for
success. Forming is the point in which the
team is working as individuals and moving in different directions. At this point there is not the formation of a
team. We have all been in this point
when joining a team we are not sure of our position or our place in the group
yet. In the storming point in forming a
teaming, turbulence and strife exist.
This is the point that leadership is necessary to move a team into the
next stage. Without a leader that is an
effective transitional leader then the team will not move on to the next level. Transitional in the sense that they can
listen to and empathy with the members of the team but still directs them into
the roles necessary to perform the task at hand. Norming is creating the standards necessary
for everyone to perform their roles effectively and efficiently. Performing is the final self-actualization of
the group where they move in a productive team able to work through issues and
problems to produce effective results.
Just as Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development and Maslow’s hierarchy
of needs, Tuckmans Team’s Life Cycle moves through progressions and can become
fixated at certain points in its development. I believe that there are many
factors that go into the dynamic of group development within an organization. I
would agree that with proper facilitation a team can move through all of the
stages of the life cycle. “The dramatic shift to team based
work systems and the emphasis on building member capabilities places a
spotlight on the critical role of team leaders.
Team leaders are arguably the key pin for developing team member
capabilities” (Likert, 1961) The leader can make a dramatic difference in how
the team progresses.
I have been in several team environments that have gone
through several of the stages of team development. Many of these groups, as Tuckman described,
did not go beyond a certain stage. One
of these groups in particular was in a constant state of storming. This was due to the lack of leadership and guidance. The team was in constant turmoil because of
the lack of leadership and the struggle for power within the group. I would also agree that the maturity of the
team members is an important part of the turmoil. I have also worked in groups that are moved
through to self-actualization or performing.
This was due to the leadership and maturity of the group.
Companies
need to understand the power of teams. Organizational team leaders need to be nurtured
and equipped to build teamwork and team efficiency. Teams can also be a source of
power conflicts and bad politics. Hence,
a vigilant eye must be maintained on teams to ensure that there is no power
play or interdepartmental politics. While a healthy competition is required to
keep all teams on their toes; it is essential that competition is a positive
motivating
factor” (Parker
1996).
In
conclusion Leadership is an important part of this progression through the
stages and must be maintained to create an effective team.
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