Stages of Project Team Development

Forming

The team first comes together; discovering "Why? What? Who? When?". Conflicts have not begin to emerge yet

Storming

Disagreements arise about what needs to be done and who will do it. People merge their individual perceptions of how the work should be done and mold a group perception.

→ Same Reality, Different Perceptions

→ 4 NLP Perceptual Positions

Having a strong common goal is one of the most important driving forces to resolving conflicts. This is a necessary and useful stage is you want to create, alignment and ownership.

→ How To Solve People Problems

Norming

The goals, roles, and boundaries have been clarified and accepted by team members. They have taken ownership and accountability for getting the work done. Regular team meetings are required at this stage so that team members can monitor progress and solve problems as they arise.

→ 4 Types of Problems

→ Problem Solving Strategies: 4 Levels 

→ Creative Problem Solving

Performing

The team becomes a true team, working in unison, supporting one another. The team, not the leader, manages the project.

→ 9 Roles of a Team Leader 

Team members make adjustments to keep the deliverables on track; they monitor progress and manage change.

→ How To Overcome Resistance to Change: Kore 10 Tips

The team takes full ownership and accountability, not only for the work to be done, but for the team dynamics as well.

Team Assessment

Adapted from "Project Management", by P.Martin and K.Tate

Complete the following team assessment, using a 1 to 5 scale:

1 = never

2 = sometimes

3 = half the time

4 = most of the time

5 = all of the time

1. Team member → goals are aligned with the organization's/project's goals

2. The team is focused on interdependent actions  >>>

3. Team members participate in the planning and monitoring/control processes

4. Major decisions are made primarily by consensus

5. The organization/project leader and team members own the work/project plan and its execution

6. Team members are → empowered

7. Conflicts arise and are resolved collaboratively

8. People on the team feel → listened to and supported

9. Individual style differences are honored  >>>

10. Individual needs are of concern to the team