Team Dynamics & Group Development Flashcards

What is the forming stage in team development?

Answer: Team members are establishing relationships and expectations

The forming stage is the initial phase of team development, where team members first meet and begin to establish relationships and understand their roles. During this stage, individuals are often polite, cautious, and focused on gathering information about the team's purpose, objectives, and each other. They are essentially testing the waters and setting initial expectations for how the team will operate.

What happens during the storming stage?

Answer: Disagreements and challenges arise as roles are clarified

During the storming stage of team development, disagreements and challenges commonly arise as team members begin to assert their individuality and clarify their roles. This phase is characterized by conflict, competition, and a struggle for influence as members express differing opinions on tasks, processes, and leadership. Successfully navigating storming is crucial for the team to establish clear roles and develop effective working methods.

What is a key sign of the norming stage?

Answer: Increased cooperation and group cohesion

The norming stage, according to Tuckman's stages of group development, is characterized by the team starting to resolve conflicts and develop a sense of unity. Members begin to accept individual differences, establish norms, and work collaboratively towards common goals, leading to increased cooperation and cohesion.

What characterizes the performing stage?

Answer: High productivity and autonomy

In the performing stage, teams are highly functional, interdependent, and self-directed. They have a clear understanding of their goals, roles, and processes, allowing them to achieve high levels of productivity and operate with significant autonomy without constant external intervention.

What is a common outcome of effective team dynamics?

Answer: Greater productivity and collaboration

Effective team dynamics foster an environment where members communicate openly, trust each other, and work synergistically. This leads to enhanced problem-solving, shared responsibility, and ultimately results in higher productivity and more effective collaboration among team members.

Why is trust important in team development?

Answer: It fosters collaboration and psychological safety

Trust is foundational for effective team development because it allows members to feel safe taking risks, sharing ideas, and admitting mistakes without fear of negative repercussions. This psychological safety directly enables open communication and deepens collaboration, which are crucial for team success.

How can a team coach support group development?

Answer: By facilitating discussions and supporting team growth

A team coach supports group development by guiding the team through various stages, facilitating constructive discussions, and helping them identify and overcome challenges. They empower the team to develop its own solutions, improve communication, and enhance overall effectiveness and growth.

What is psychological safety in a team?

Answer: Confidence that mistakes won't be punished

Psychological safety is the belief that one can speak up, ask questions, offer ideas, and make mistakes without fear of embarrassment, rejection, or punishment. This environment encourages risk-taking, learning, and innovation, which are vital for a team's continuous improvement and success.

What is the adjourning stage?

Answer: Dissolving the team and reviewing outcomes

The adjourning stage is the final phase in Tuckman's model of group development, where the team completes its task and disbands. During this stage, members often reflect on their accomplishments, review lessons learned, and acknowledge individual contributions before moving on.