Five Stages of Team Development

Whether they work in an urban highrise, an industrial warehouse, or a restaurant on the outskirts of suburbia, most professionals spend at least part of their time consulting or cooperating with colleagues or team members. In fact, Attle and Baker estimate that 80% of employed individuals work in groups (2007). However, many students have little experience working in groups during their academic careers (Group Work, n.d.). This experience is vital for their future success in industries that will require them to work well with others and effectively collaborate in teams.

This mini online course is designed to provide students an understanding of how teams work and give each participant the opportunity to practice the skills they have learned. There is no mystery surrounding why some teams are successful and others are not. In fact, a great deal of research has been performed regarding the subject. Our course draws heavily from the work of Dr. Bruce Tuckman, who identified five stages of group development: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning (2010). During this course, students will learn how to recognize these stages and also how to maximize the effectiveness of each one. In particular, our course will highlight best practices that will help participants pass smoothly through the uncomfortable but necessary Storming stage of group development. Our universities do an excellent job of producing capable individuals. We feel that this course will contribute to the higher goal of producing capable collaborators.