Dmitry Lobasev

Tuckman's model - a predictable pattern of team development

The Tuckman's model is a framework for analyzing and improving team performance. It was developed by Bruce Tuckman, American Psychological Researcher who carried out his research into the theory of group dynamics.

The Tuckman's model suggests that team performance follows a predictable pattern of development over time. According to the model, teams go through four stages of development: forming, storming, norming, and performing.

In the forming stage, team members are just getting to know each other and trying to understand their roles and responsibilities within the team. This is a time of uncertainty and discomfort as team members try to find their place within the team.
In the storming stage, team members may begin to challenge each other and assert their own viewpoints and ideas. This can lead to conflict and tension within the team.
In the norming stage, team members begin to work together more effectively and establish norms and procedures for working together. This is a time of increased cooperation and collaboration.
In the performing stage, the team is operating at a high level of effectiveness and is able to work together seamlessly to achieve their goals.

The Tuckman's model can be used to identify where a team is in its development and to identify strategies for improving team performance. For example, if a team is in the storming stage, a manager may need to focus on helping team members resolve conflicts and build trust. If a team is in the norming stage, a manager may need to focus on establishing clear roles and responsibilities and defining processes for decision-making and problem-solving.

Forming stage
During this stage, team members are just getting to know each other and trying to understand their roles and responsibilities within the team. This is a time of uncertainty and discomfort as team members try to find their place within the team.

In the forming stage, team members may be hesitant to share their ideas or opinions, as they are still getting to know each other and building trust. It is important for team leaders to create an environment that is open and welcoming, and to encourage team members to ask questions and participate in discussions.

It is also important for team leaders to clearly define the team's goals and objectives, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each team member. This will help team members understand their place within the team and how they can contribute to the team's success.

The forming stage is a time for team members to get to know each other, build trust, and establish a foundation for future teamwork.

Storming stage
During this stage, team members may begin to challenge each other and assert their own viewpoints and ideas. This can lead to conflict and tension within the team.

In the storming stage, team members may have difficulty working together and may struggle to find a common direction. It is common for team members to have different ideas about how to approach tasks and solve problems, and this can lead to disagreement and conflict.

Team leaders can help teams navigate the storming stage by facilitating open and honest communication and encouraging team members to express their ideas and concerns. It is also important for team leaders to establish clear rules for how team members can resolve conflicts and make decisions.

Basic strategies to resolve conflicts
There are a number of strategies that teams can use to resolve conflicts and improve team performance. Some of these strategies include:
  1. Open and honest communication: Encourage team members to express their ideas and concerns openly and honestly. This can help teams identify the underlying issues that are causing conflicts and find ways to resolve them.
  2. Active listening: Encourage team members to listen actively to each other and try to understand each other's perspectives. This can help teams find common ground and build consensus.
  3. Problem-solving: Encourage team members to work together to identify and evaluate possible solutions to conflicts. This can help teams find mutually beneficial solutions that address the concerns of all team members.
  4. Mediation: Consider using a mediator to help facilitate discussions and find solutions to conflicts. A mediator is an objective third party who can help team members communicate more effectively and find ways to resolve conflicts.
  5. Conflict resolution training: Consider providing team members with training in conflict resolution skills. This can help team members learn effective strategies for dealing with conflicts and improving team performance.

It is important for teams to find ways to resolve conflicts in a constructive and positive way. By working through conflicts and finding ways to work together effectively, teams can improve team performance and achieve their goals.

The storming stage can be a challenging time for teams, but it is an important part of the team development process. By working through conflicts and finding ways to work together effectively, teams can emerge from the storming stage stronger and more cohesive.


Norming stage
During this stage, team members begin to work together more effectively and establish norms and procedures for working together. This is a time of increased cooperation and collaboration.

In the norming stage, team members typically have a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the team, and they have established some trust and rapport with each other. This can lead to increased collaboration and cooperation within the team.

Team leaders can help teams move through the norming stage by establishing clear roles and responsibilities, as well as clear processes for decision-making and problem-solving. It is also important for team leaders to encourage team members to work together and support each other.

The norming stage is a time of increased teamwork and cooperation. By establishing clear norms and procedures for working together, teams can work more effectively and achieve their goals.

Performing stage
During this stage, the team is operating at a high level of effectiveness and is able to work together seamlessly to achieve their goals.

In the performing stage, team members are fully integrated and work together effectively. They have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the team and are able to collaborate and support each other effectively.

Team leaders can help teams move through the performing stage by continuing to support team members and encourage collaboration. It is also important for team leaders to provide team members with the resources and support they need to be successful.

The performing stage is a time of high productivity and effectiveness. Teams that reach this stage are able to work together seamlessly and achieve their goals.

How to adapt this model
As a team leader or manager, there are a number of steps you can take to adopt the Tuckman's model and improve performance of your team:
  1. Assess your team's current stage of development: Identify where your team is in its development using the Tackman's model. This will help you understand the challenges your team is facing and identify strategies for improving team performance.
  2. Clearly define your team's goals and objectives: It is important for team members to understand the team's goals and how they can contribute to achieving them. Clearly define the goals and objectives of your team and communicate them to team members.
  3. Establish clear roles and responsibilities: Help team members understand their roles and responsibilities within the team by defining them clearly. This will help team members understand their place within the team and how they can contribute to the team's success.
  4. Encourage open and honest communication: Foster an environment of open and honest communication within your team. Encourage team members to express their ideas and concerns openly and listen actively to each other.
  5. Establish clear processes for decision-making and problem-solving: Help your team establish clear processes for decision-making and problem-solving. This will help team members work together more effectively and achieve their goals.
  6. Support team members and encourage collaboration: Provide team members with the resources and support they need to be successful. Encourage collaboration and teamwork within your team.

The Tuckman's model can be a valuable tool for improving team performance. By following these steps, you can help your team progress through the stages of team development and achieve its goals.