Group Writing 12. As the group moves from formation to discussion of the task, you will begin to form norms. Group norms are your standard operating patterns, the group's common understanding of how things are done. Group norms will develop, explicitly or implicitly, consciously or unconsciously, whether you plan them or not. Each member of the group particularly at the early stages of forming, storming, and norming should reflect periodically upon the norms that have developed.
Norms are often invisible but they prevail nonetheless.
Because norms will develop anyway, you should consder actively constructing some. All members will come to meetings fully prepared. During the group's progress, it may become apparent to you that some counter productive norms have developed. For example, some times a group norm evolves that two or three people do almost all of the talking or perhaps a norm develops that some people always leave early before the assignments are made. Rather than resigning yourself to one more frustrating experience with group work, you should try to call the group's attention to the problem so that the norms can be adjusted.