Whenever we put together a team, they go through the following 5 distinct phases which may be gathered by their behaviour and performance.
Forming - When the team has just been formed. Every one trying to put their best foot forward and are generally polite pretending to get along with other team members
Storming - Very soon the "best foot" posture is forgotten and contentions and conflicts arise. This is the period of least productivity
Norming - Individuals learn to work with others and conflicts are lesser
Performing - High level of trust is visible amongst the team member and this is the period of maximum performance to achieve common project/work objectives
Adjourning or Mourning - This happens during the dissolution or break-up of the team
What does it mean for the Project manager?
Since the most critical stage is the Storming stage, that stage needs to be closely monitored. PM's effort should be to resolve conflicts and pro-actively provide an environment of trust. This phase must be overcome as quickly as possible.
Also, PM must understand that , in a dynamic Project Situation, new team members will be added and the team will undergo the same cycle again .
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