Build a team
Build a team
What you will learn
- Name the five stages of team development in order (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning).
- Describe each stage's distinctive behavior and its effect on team performance.
- Identify the leader's different role at each stage.
- Recognize that a team can regress to an earlier stage when a new member joins or a major change occurs.
No new team reaches high performance the moment it forms — it typically moves through sequential stages described by Tuckman's well-known model. Understanding these stages helps a leader know when to direct more clearly, and when to step back and let the team decide for itself.
Tuckman's five stages
Forming
Cautious introductions, roles not yet clear, heavy reliance on the leader's direction.
Storming
Conflict over roles and boundary-testing; open tension or disagreement may surface.
Norming
Roles settle, shared working norms form, and mutual trust grows.
Performing
High productivity with strong independence from the leader's direct guidance.
Adjourning
The team disbands after the project or phase completes — a stage sometimes left off memorized lists.
What matters on the exam
- "Storming" is the stage that shows up most in questions — any description of early conflict or disagreement in a new team usually points to it.
- A team can regress to an earlier stage when a new member joins or a major change happens in scope or leadership.
- Don't forget "Adjourning" — the fifth stage many overlook despite being an official part of the model.
The order matters
The five stages are often tested in their correct order: forming, then storming, then norming, then performing, then adjourning. Notice storming logically precedes norming — conflict has to be resolved before shared working norms can settle.
Quick check
Answer in your head first, then reveal.
Which stage features conflict over roles and boundary-testing?Reveal the answer
Storming.
What is the fifth stage sometimes left off memorized lists?Reveal the answer
Adjourning.
Can a team regress to an earlier stage?Reveal the answer
Yes, when a new member joins or a major change occurs.
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Your next step
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Sources
Used to verify the facts. The writing is original to Passuit.