Stages of Team Development (adapted from Forsyth, 1990)
Theory on team development predicts that teams, like individuals, pass through predictable, sequential stages over time. The most well known of these models is that of Tuckman (1965), who labeled the stages of team development as forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
Forming (the orientation stage)
Members of newly formed teams often feel anxious and uncomfortable. They must interact with other individuals whom they do not know well and begin to work on tasks which they may not yet completely understand. Their roles in the team and the procedures for interaction may be ambiguous as well. As members become better acquainted, some of the tension may dissipate. Members will begin to become more comfortable with their roles.