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Auggie Success

A collection of guides to help Auggies navigate academic success

Stages of a Group Project

A banner at the top of the tab. On the left is clip art of three people working together over a laptop. On the right, text reads: Forming Stage. There is usually some excitement about being part of the team and getting the project started. Members often have both positive expectations for the team experience and some apprehension around how they will contribute and the project itself.

Behaviors

Common behaviors include lots of questions from team members, reflecting both their excitement and the apprehension of working together.

Team tasks

It is important to set a clear structure, goals, direction, and roles.

Team members should:

  • Discuss the project and set clear deadlines, objectives, and communication plans.
  • Assign roles to each team member that build upon individual strengths and interests.

Behaviors

Interactions may be less polite as members express frustration about issues and/or other members of the team. 

Team tasks

Refocusing on the project may help. A review of the team's goals, roles, and tasks can help team members move past frustration. The team may also need to develop both task-related skills, and conflict management skills. 

Team members should:

  • Talk about disagreements early to avoid problems.
  • Revisit any initial group guidelines that your team created and revise them if necessary.
  • Identify ways to get your team to come to a common agreement that will help you be successful together and maintain amicable relationships.

A banner at the top of the tab. On the left is clip art of three people sitting at a table thinking of ideas. On the right, text reads: Norming stage. During this stage, team members begin to reconcile differences between their initial expectations and the reality of the team's experience. Setting flexible and inclusive expectations can help members feel more comfortable in expressing their ideas and feelings.

Behaviors

Behaviors can include members making an intentional effort to resolve problems, communicating more frequently, and more meaningful discussions among team members. Team members refocus on ground rules and the project.  

Team tasks

During the Norming stage, productivity tends to increase. This can be a good time for an evaluation of project progress. 

Team members should:

  • Maintain a clear idea of what needs to be done, who is responsible for doing it, and when it should be completed.
  • Create quality work, complete their work on time, and know how their portion of the project contributes to the overall project.
  • Periodically check-in on how the team is doing.
  • Respond early and respectfully to any concerns or problems.

Behaviors

People express positive feelings about the work and are able to address challenges with the team's project. Team roles may have become more fluid as the project needs evolve.

Team tasks

Team members are working effectively and the group makes significant progress towards its goals. The group's commitment to the project is high. 

Team members should:

  • Continue to build knowledge and refine skills.
  • Support team growth.
  • Acknowledge milestones.
  • Address concerns (which might mean moving back through the storming and norming stages).

A banner at the top of the tab. On the left is clip art of three people relaxing and talking together. On the right, text reads: Adjourning Stage. The Adjourning stage was added to Tuckman’s model to recognize the importance of bringing closure to the group’s project. During this stage, individuals will be experiencing a variety of emotions about the project's conclusion.

Behaviors

Some team members may be less focused on the team's tasks and their productivity may decrease. Alternatively, some team members may find focusing on work is an effective response to any sense of loss and their productivity may increase.

Team tasks

Acknowledge the upcoming completion of the project. 

Team members should:

  • Complete any remaining work.
  • Evaluate the team’s process and project.
  • Discuss 'lessons learned'.

Now that we've reviewed the stages of group development, let's take a more detailed look at conflict.