THE FOUR STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT: FORMING, STORMING, NORMING, AND PERFORMING

Working in a team can be a challenging and rewarding experience. The concept of Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing (FSNP) describes the four stages of psychological development a team goes through as they work on a project. Teams move through each stage as they overcome challenges, learn to work together, and eventually focus on accomplishing a shared goal.

1. Forming: The first stage of team development is about defining objectives, and individual roles, building trust, respect, and interpersonal skills. It’s also about developing norms and identifying the resources, skills, and information needed to achieve the team’s goals. Having the right dynamics in a team is essential for success. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is a success.”

2. Storming: In the second stage, conflicts and competition in personal and professional relationships come to the forefront. It’s crucial to establish a common vision, roles, responsibilities, communication, and decision-making systems that work for everyone. Negotiating conflict is vital, and it’s essential to have compassion for people while having no tolerance for problems. As Norman Vincent Peale said, “How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively.”

3. Norming: The third stage is where team members start to come together as a team, and team rules and procedures start to be accepted and properly implemented. Team members start to realise that they are not in competition with each other and start helping each other. Respecting and understanding each other is crucial for success. Giving and receiving constructive feedback helps teams to improve and develop trust, resulting in a heightened sense of responsibility.

4. Performing: At this stage, the team should have a better understanding of procedures and processes, as well as each other’s strengths and challenges. They should be confident enough to prevent or work through any group problems or conflicts that may arise and develop a bond with the team. As Stephen Covey said, “Interdependent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success.”

The four stages of team development, Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing, are essential for the success of a team. It takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work to reach the performing stage, but the rewards are worth it. Working in a team can help us grow and refine our personality, broaden our vision and scope, and develop trust with co-workers. By achieving our mission together, we can experience a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves.