Have you ever been on a team that was just starting out and everyone was fighting? If so, you’ve experienced the storming phase of team development. This is a natural phase that all teams go through, but it can be difficult to manage. To help you with it, we’ll discuss what the storming phase is, why it’s important to manage it, and how to do so effectively.
What Is The Storming Phase
The storming phase is the second stage of team development, following the forming stage according to Tuckman’s Model. It is characterized by conflict and tension as team members start to assert their individual personalities and ideas. This can lead to disagreements, power struggles, and even sabotage.
The storming phase is a natural part of team development, but it can be difficult to manage. If not handled correctly, it can derail the team and prevent them from achieving their goals.
Why Is It So Important to Manage The Storming Phase
It is important to manage the storming phase:
- To resolve conflict: Conflict is a natural part of any team, but it can be destructive if it is not managed effectively.
- To build trust and rapport: Trust and rapport are essential for team success. During the storming phase, team members are still getting to know each other and learning to work together.
- To set clear expectations: During the storming phase, it is important to set clear expectations for team members. This includes expectations about roles, responsibilities, and goals.
- To create a positive team culture: The storming phase can be a challenging time for teams, but it is important to create a positive team culture. This includes encouraging open communication, celebrating successes, and resolving conflict constructively.
How to Manage The Storming Phase
Encourage open communication.
Create a safe space for team members to share their ideas and concerns. This could involve holding regular team meetings or creating an anonymous feedback system.
Encourage team members to be respectful of each other’s opinions, even if they disagree.
Resolve conflict constructively.
When conflict arises, address it head-on in a constructive way. This means listening to everyone’s perspective and working together to find a solution that everyone can agree on.
- Avoid personal attacks and name-calling.
- Focus on the issue at hand, not the personalities involved.
- Be willing to compromise
Build trust and rapport.
Get to know team members on a personal level. This could involve going out for coffee or lunch together or participating in team-building activities.
- Be supportive and encouraging.
- Be honest and transparent.
- Be reliable and trustworthy.
Be patient and understanding.
The storming phase is a natural part of team development, so it is important to be patient and understanding with team members.
Don’t expect the storming phase to end overnight. It takes time for teams to build trust and rapport.Celebrate successes along the way. This will help to boost morale and keep the team motivated.
The storming phase is a challenging time for teams, but it is important to remember that it is a natural part of team development. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help your team to manage the storming phase effectively and emerge stronger and more cohesive.