While teams have some distinct advantages over groups, not all groups should be developed into teams. Each stage has unique characteristics and must be managed differently. Forming Forming is the first stage of team development. It begins when members are first brought together to achieve a specific objective. In this stage, members tend to be optimistic and expectations are usually high.
Members often hold back until they know each other better.
This stage is characterized by an overdependence on the leader. Members want to be given a clear mandate, structure and parameters. Storming Storming is a normal and expected stage of team development. In this stage, members experience a discrepancy between their initial hopes for the team and the realities of working together. Two people can begin to clash over ideas or personal styles.