Overview of Tuckman’s Model

Dr Bruce Tuckman published his 'Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing' model in 1965. He later added a fifth stage, Adjourning, in the 1970s. It is a simple, yet very powerful model that you can use to identify where your team is.

The initial four-stage model evolved out of Bruce W. Tuckman’s observations of group behaviour in a variety of settings. He argued that groups were likely to go through four distinct stages when they come to together for any purpose. They don't function and perform immediately. Although members of the group might recognise some aspects of their behaviour, there may only be a limited consciousness of the changes as they move through the stages and the implications. Tuckman discovered that when members become aware of the stage they are in, and the implications, they The obvious implication was that it people could develop a better appreciation of the processes surrounding group are able to enhance group effectiveness and functioning. 

The leader is a member of the team, so is on the journey too, but with the distinct role of leading others through the stages.

The 5 stages are:

• Forming
• Storming
• Norming
• Performing
• Adjourning

The next lessons will step you through each stage.