Stages of group development

Most groups develop through stages similar to the ones below. Some groups move quickly from one stage to the next; others progress at a slow but steady rate; some may get stuck at one stage or another. It's important, however, that no stage is missed out.

Forming

When a new group first meets or is formed, members may:

• stay silent, make few contributions, take few risks - that is, play safe
  
  
• worry about how far they will be included or excluded
  
  
• conceal true emotions or reactions
  
  
• stick with safe topics
  
  
• rely on the group leader, if there is one, for guidance
  
  
• address the group leader rather than the group members.

In the early stages of groups, therefore, there is a tendency for people to be passive or to conform to procedures. People may not express their individual styles of working. They spend time getting to know the other members of the group and establishing their position.

Storming

As a group becomes established, members may:

• become dissatisfied with how things are going and try to coax the group in another direction
  
  
• vie for leadership
  
  
• feel anxious that the task may not get done
  
  
• feel anxious about someone else taking over.

'Storming' indicates that, once the group is established, it may hit a rocky patch as members throw away their inhibitions and become more assertive. Some groups never have a storming stage, and others resolve the tensions to move on to the next stage.

Norming

Now members are getting used to working together. They may:

• establish norms or rules for working together
  
  
• develop a pecking order and a series of relationships and alliances
  
  
• explore and test out ways of achieving group tasks
  
  
• express and share feelings
  
  
• find ways of solving problems.

As a group 'norms', it develops more trust and cohesion and starts to get things done.

Performing

This stage grows naturally from the previous one, as group members:

• accommodate each other and feel free to get on with problem-solving
  
  
• work in an atmosphere of cohesion and trust
  
  
• help other members contribute and participate in a way that brings out the best in them.

It is at this stage that a group achieves most of its aims.

[Adapted from Learning Development Services, University of Sunderland, (1999): Effective learning programme. 2nd ed, based on Tuckman,B.W. (1965) "Development Sequence in Small Groups", Psychological Bulletin, vol 63.]