Group Stages

Forming

Members are polite, anxious, and unsure of the purpose and rules. They depend on the leader for direction. Leader response: be directive, state the purpose, explain expectations and confidentiality, and use icebreakers.

Storming

Conflict, power struggles, resistance to the leader, and disagreement over roles. Leader response: stay calm, do not take it personally, mediate conflict, reinforce group rules, and help members express differences respectfully.

Norming

Cohesion, trust, shared rules, and cooperation develop. Members start to support each other. Leader response: step back gradually, encourage member input, and reinforce positive group norms.

Performing

Group works efficiently and independently toward its goals, with strong roles and trust. Leader response: facilitate lightly or consult only when needed.

Adjourning

Group ends. Members may feel sadness, anxiety, or regression. Leader response: review progress, process feelings about ending, give feedback, and plan for continued support.

Group in conflict with lots of arguing about who is in charge

Storming stage.

Group members are polite, quiet, and ask the leader what to do

Forming stage.

Members say “we” often, follow agreed-on rules, and encourage each other

Norming stage.

Group runs itself and solves problems without the leader

Performing stage.