Bruce Tuckman’s Team Development Stages

Question 1

Question:
What is Bruce Tuckman’s Team Development Model? What are the stages, and how do teams progress through them?

Answer 1

Answer:
Bruce Tuckman developed the Team Development Model in 1965 to explain how teams grow, develop, and perform over time.
He identified 5 stages that all teams go through — from formation to completion.

🔢 Tuckman’s 5 Stages of Team Development:
Stage Description Common Team Behaviour
1. Forming Team is just coming together Polite, unsure, avoids conflict
2. Storming Conflict and competition emerge Clashes, frustration, testing roles
3. Norming Team starts building trust and rules Cooperation, shared goals, respect
4. Performing Team works smoothly and productively High performance, self-managed
5. Adjourning (added later) Team disbands or completes project Mixed emotions, reflection, closure

🧠 How It Works:
Teams must pass through each stage to reach full potential

Conflict (storming) is normal and necessary for growth

Good leadership helps teams move forward

🏢 Workplace Application:
Used in project teams, departments, and temporary groups

Helps managers support teams during challenges

Encourages patience and development-focused leadership

✅ Why It Matters:
Shows that teams need time and support to grow

Normalises conflict as part of progress

Promotes structured leadership and team reflection

⚠️ Limitations:
Not all teams follow this order

Some may get stuck in storming or skip norming

Doesn’t account for external changes or leadership shifts