Adjourning

Developed by Bruce Tuckman in 1977, the adjourning stage is the fifth, and final, stage of group development that occurs when a group wraps up its work and then dissolves. This is particularly important when thinking about project teams, set up for specific work with a clear end point. It is equally important to adjourn when teams disband, perhaps due to key members leaving, restructures or redundancies. It is important for members to get appropriate closure as well as recognition for the work they accomplished.

• Members have usually achieved their common goal and may begin to disband.
• Group members decide whether they will work together or form a new group.
• Say good bye, keep in touch, stay connected.
    Disband = Members decide whether to say goodbye, keep in touch and retain friendships
• Grieve. Letting go of something is grieving. Members need a way to celebrate what they have achieved, reflect on the journey and feel a sense of closure.

As the leader, even though you are going through these stages too, you need to lead the adjourning stage. This might be a leaving meal, gifts for people or a series of meetings to discuss peoples feelings and help them through the change process.

How do you mark adjournment or closure for your teams?

How do you help people through the change journey and grieve?

Do it with purpose.