How teams grow: understanding the main stages of group development

Any team leader or manager should be able to recognize the stages of group development. Whether you're managing a distributed team, a hybrid setup, or an in-office crew, knowing how groups form and work together can help anticipate challenges, understand a team's needs, and provide the right kind of support at each stage.

In 2025, as remote and hybrid work environments continue to grow, being aware of these stages can make all the difference in building productive teams. 

This article aims to help with that. We will explore the main stages of group development introduced by psychologist Bruce Tuckman and see how the theory fits into work reality. 

Stage 1. Forming

The 'Forming' stage is the 'getting to know you' phase, where everyone is polite and friendly, but also a little uncertain. In this one, team members are coming together for the first time. Teammates aren't mates yet, learning about their roles, understanding the project's goals, and trying to figure out how they fit into the bigger picture.

Challenges that may arise

• Team members may be hesitant to speak up.
• People are focused on learning about each other's skills and backgrounds.
• There's a lot of excitement, but also some nervousness.

How to handle them

• Encourage open communication and create a safe space for sharing ideas.
• Set clear goals and expectations from the start.
• Use icebreakers or team-building activities to help everyone feel more comfortable.

Stage 2. Storming

Once the honeymoon phase is over, teams enter the second stage called 'Storming'. This is where conflicts may arise as people start to feel more relaxed sharing their opinions the way they used to. And while it's totally fine to have disagreements, they don't have to become too comfortable with each other to express themselves in a rude and disrespectful manner.

Challenges that may arise

• Conflicts over roles, ideas, or ways of working.
• Frustration if things don't go smoothly right away.
• Some team members may feel overwhelmed or defensive.

How to handle them

• Act as a mediator when conflicts arise.
• Focus on fostering a culture of respect and empathy.
• Encourage constructive feedback and active listening.

Stage 3. Norming

In the 'Norming' stage, things start to settle down. At this point, the team has gone through its initial conflicts and is now figuring out how to work together in the best way. Roles are clearer, communication improves, and there's a sense of camaraderie. 

Challenges that may arise

• A more positive and cooperative atmosphere.
• Team members are more confident in their roles.
• Better collaboration and more streamlined workflows.

How to handle them

• Recognize and celebrate small wins to keep morale high.
• Encourage team members to share their knowledge and support each other.
• Reinforce the team's shared goals and vision.

Stage 4. Performing

The 'Performing' stage is where the magic happens. The team is fully functioning and working together like a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows their role, communication flows smoothly, and the team is focused on achieving its objectives. This is the most productive phase, where teams can take on bigger challenges and produce their best work.

Challenges that may arise

• High levels of productivity and motivation.
• Team members take initiative and solve problems independently.
• Strong trust and collaboration among team members.

How to handle them

• Provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Encourage innovation and creative problem-solving.
• Continue to offer feedback and recognize achievements.

Stage 5. Adjourning

Finally, 'Adjourning' hits. It is when the project is completed, and the team disbands. This can be a bittersweet moment, especially if the team has developed strong bonds. Now it is time to celebrate the team's achievements, reflect on what was learned, and prepare for future projects.

Challenges that may arise

• A mix of emotions, from pride in accomplishments to sadness about parting ways.
• Team members may feel uncertain about what's next.
• A focus on wrapping up loose ends and delivering final results.

How to handle them

• Host a wrap-up meeting to celebrate the team's hard work.
• Gather feedback to understand what worked well and what could be improved.
• Provide support for team members transitioning to new projects.

Tips for navigating group development in 2025

While we're looking at the main stages of group development and their characteristics, it's time to pick up some tips along the way. Some of them are obvious, others you will find insightful and unconventional. Here they are:

Use technology wisely 

Use tools that support your efforts to build strong bonds and foster collaboration. Whether it's project management software, chat apps, or video conferencing platforms, the right tech can bridge gaps and keep teams connected.

Consider Orchestra, a single platform to manage all your work. The app keeps communication focused and streamlined by offering:

• A chat-centric workflow, where chats and channels are always aligned with projects and tasks.
• Channels for news and updates, ensuring all teammates stay in sync.
• Built-in voice rooms and video calls for easy access to colleagues.
• Lightweight project and task boards with multiple views and customizable details.
• An AI-powered workspace to accelerate the entire workflow.

Encourage flexibility

Teams today need to be adaptable. Encourage a growth mindset where team members are open to learning and adjusting as needed.

Foster a positive culture

A healthy team culture can ease the transition between stages. Make sure everyone feels valued and heard.

Building a strong team is a process. To start, learn the stages of group development to guide your team through the ups and downs and help them reach their full potential. Whether you're managing a remote team or working in person, these insights will help you create a more cohesive and productive team in 2025.