Five stages of group development

Being in a group can be very beneficial. Groups are great for brainstorming, socializing, completing tasks and many other reasons. Forming the group though doesn’t just happen. There are several steps of communication that take place which include forming stage, storming stage, norming stage, performing stage and adjourning stage.
In the forming stage, members are uncertain about the structure, propose and leadership of the group. The members of the group must communicate with each other to give the group direction to help smooth out the uncertainty. The group moves on to the next stage when the members think of themselves as part of the group.
The next stage is storming where conflict exists between member over who will control or lead the group. The storming stage is complete when the members have a relatively clear idea of the hierarchal picture of leadership within the group.
The norming stage is the third stage. This is where close relationships develop and the group structure becomes one with the group members. After much communication, the members now have a common set of expectations of acceptable member behavior.
In the fourth stage the structure of the group is accepted by group members and is fully functional. This is the performing stage. The group is now performing the task at hand. This is also the last stage for permanent work groups.
Groups that are temporary move on to the final stage of adjourning. In this stage, the group wraps things up and look back on what was accomplished.
Even though there are five stages in a group development, the group doesn’t have to be in one at a time. The different stages aren’t always black and white. Some stages can be performed simultaneously. On occasion, the group will regress to previous stages. But for the most part, the group progresses to completing the common initial goal / task.
The group members don’t just accomplish the task; they also form wonderful friendships among themselves.
Without a great deal of communication with each member, the group will never get to the next stage and getting the task done as a group will seem impossible.