Key Management Development Models

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Extended Tuckman teamwork theory

The big picture

When a new team comes together, it will not immediately perform well. In 1965, psychologist Bruce Tuckman described four stages which every team goes through as it evolves – forming, storming, norming and performing. Around ten years later, Tuckman added an adjourning stage to the model. Others have suggested: dorming, mourning, transforming and reforming.

• Forming: members of the team are polite, wary, assessing each other. There is a lot of dependence on the leader for guidance. Processes are not yet established.
• Storming: team members start to vie for position. Conversation is less formal. Individuals may challenge each other and the leader. While they are more certain of the team’s aims, ...