Group Formation Part 2

Norming:

If your group makes it past the storming phase, which some never do, it is time to get to work. During Norming, personalities are known, people are developing friendships within and hopefully outside the group. This is the time for a leader to nurture trust and openness. That is not to say that no conflict will exist but it is no longer going to derail the project. This is also the phase where the group can become a true team as I have discussed in past newsletters. At this point the  leader is transitioning to more of a facilitator and can trust the team to act more independently. Now is also a good time to form subgroups  to handle small tasks where specialized knowledge is needed. 

The norming phase is also a good time for leadership to lean into team building and team social events. This will strengthen bonds within the team and allow for a fully functional team, built around trust and camaraderie to form. 

Performing:

This is where a group can become a full fledged team. The leader acts as a coach and sounding board.  This is also the time for the team lead to  start developing the other people in the group into leaders in their own right. Now it's not just about getting the work done but thinking about improving processes. This is where every small business owner wants to be. At the helm of a trusted team who are all in their element and performing at their best. Very few groups ever reach this stage. In my twenty plus years in the business world across three very different industries I have only seen this happen a few times. Once was my crew at the Chili’s in Cary NC. There was deep trust and respect between the back of house and front of house. There was great skill and experience on both sides of the pass through and it was obvious to the customers who came into the restaurant that we all had their best interests in mind. It was a magical time that I will always cherish. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. 

Adjourning:

This stage is often ignored or not given enough attention. This is a time to debrief, celebrate successes and document what worked and what didn’t. As a leader, now is the time to make sure that valuable people are kept close and losers are left behind. Sometimes teams break up because of outside issues or the end of the defined project. What is most important is to make sure that each person on the team remembers the experience and can see how to help recreate it in the future. The personal development that occurs during a successful group formation through to completion is the basis of future career success. The people who you work on a team with are potential lifelong business associates and friends. Though it is certainly not the same thing, there are elements that mirror the “band of brothers” ethos in the military. Once you have worked alongside someone and seen how they operate, a leader can slot those people back in for future success. 

I hope that this breakdown of the stages of a group formation is helpful to you. If you want help moving your group past the storming phase, give me a call.