Tuckman, jointly with Mary Ann Jensen, developed the five stages of team building.
The five stages:
- Stage 1: Forming
- Stage 2: Storming
- Stage 3: Norming
- Stage 4: Performing
- Stage 5: Adjourning
"In the "adjourning" stage the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions" (Abudi, 2010). I personally believe high-performing groups are hard to leave especially at the beginning. It's always refreshing to be a part of a team that is built on a strong foundation and works well together.
In college, I had the experience of working with a team where we set clear objectives and assignments, everyone was very vocal yet respectful. It made for great conversation while working on our project. Everyone did their fair share of work and when it was time to adjourn we wanted to keep the conversation going. Some kept in touch by exchanging phone numbers and became friends. I feel that this will be the same ritual when finishing this Master's program. We will be able to keep in touch so that we can be a reference as well as a support system for each other. The last stage adjourning, is important because it gives the group a since of closure and accomplishment.
