The business world is always changing, but sudden changes cause disruptions to all businesses, with teams and individuals finding themselves having to navigate new and different ways of working effectively together.

There are several stages involved in group development, and in each one, the members of the team experience several issues that lead them eventually into the following stage. If the team doesn’t work effectively together, they may struggle to move through each stage at the right place. Should the team become stuck at any stage, the impacts can be negative and severe on the organization’s productivity and overall culture.

With this in mind, managers and business leaders alike must understand how each stage can impact their team and learn how they can help them to move effectively through each stage in times of extreme change. The Global Resources LLC team is well-placed to offer such advice.

Forming – Stage 1

The first stage is to adapt to a new way of working effectively together. Taking the people-first approach is vital here. Ensuring every member of the team has everything they need to work effectively in the new environment and that they have help to address obstacles is key.

Storming – Stage 2

In this second stage, the team begins to execute projects and daily tasks. Conflict and stress often arise at this stage between members of the team. The answer is to focus on alignment and adjustment. Targets and goals often require adaptation to fit the changing circumstances and teams must be aligned in the way projects and tasks will be carried out.

Norming – Stage 3

In the third stage, communication improves, with the team beginning to gel. Working collaboratively becomes easier and conflict and tension reduce as the team becomes increasingly aligned as they move towards implementing their common goals. Focusing on this stage on supporting business continuity and project management is important. Leaders must carry on fostering alignment and communication between members of the team, allowing them to make decisions independently while checking in regularly with the team.

Performing – Stage 4

In the 4^th stage, the group will be more collaborative, confident, self-sufficient, and motivated. As a result, higher levels of innovation and productivity is possible. At this time, although the leader will remain involved, they should allow the team to be more autonomous and self-sufficient. An open-door policy is a good idea at this stage.

Adjourning – Stage 5

Depending on the project or team, there could be a fifth stage – adjourning. At this point, deliverables and projects will be completed and the team will begin a fresh project or be reassigned. At this point, the process will begin again starting at stage 1.

The Five Stages Of Development

Recognizing and understanding all five stages of development is vital for any business leader, especially when the world of business is becoming increasingly susceptible to change. Taking advice from professional consultants like those at Global Resources LLC is the best way to ensure smooth and effective progress through each stage.