FORMING

Much Uncertainty

• questions about the purpose of the group
• approach-avoidance behaviors
• high drop-out possibility
• commitment from only a few members
• members seek leadership
• non-intimate relations
• politeness likely
• logistics need to be sorted out

STORMING

Intragroup Conflict

• resource inventory established
• members test each others' strengths
• authority in the group is tested
• fluid status structure
• ambivalence between autonomy versus group membership is expressed
• continued drop-out: fight or flight
• dyads, cliques or factions may be formed
• member ejection may occur

NORMING

Close Relationships/Cohesiveness

• intensified interpersonal involvement
• desire for group attention
• member interdependence
• dependence on leader
• increasing trust
• increasing commitment
• well-established norms
• rules, roles and standards are widely shared
• growing capacity to plan

PERFORMING

Group Is Functional/Increased Cohesion

• sense that "our" group is special
• acceptance of individual differences
• member more able to "be themselves" -- authentic humor
• disagreement and conflict is OK -- can be constructive and creative
• structure, hierarchy, roles, norms, are established and accepted
• focus on task
• teamwork utilizes the diverse strengths of the group members

ADJOURNING

Members Acknowledge Their Ambivalences About Disbanding

• members celebrate individual and collective accomplishments
• group members remind themselves of what they do and do not wish to bring with them to their future team relationships - including relationships with other members
• members acknowledge their ambivalences about disbanding -- the pain of farewell opposed to the relief of being finished