Tuckman Model Stage 2: Storming and the Avengers

Summary

In this insightful video, Lon Schiffbauer delves into the second stage of Tuckman's team development model, known as 'storming.' He explains that this is a challenging phase where team members, while recognizing the task at hand, are reluctant to relinquish their individuality and unite as a cohesive team. Schiffbauer highlights the lack of a shared vision and differing working styles as key factors leading to interpersonal conflicts and frustration. Using the dynamic between Captain America and Iron Man as an example, he illustrates how miscommunications and power struggles can emerge. He also discusses the formation of sub-teams and the prevalence of 'hallway conversations' that often accompany the storming stage. Schiffbauer emphasizes the importance of awareness, communication, and behavior in navigating through this phase effectively and moving towards the next stage, 'norming.'

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Tuckman model outlines five stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
• 🚫 The storming stage is often dreaded because team members have not yet relinquished their individuality to work as a team.
• 🤔 A lack of shared vision and differing operating styles can lead to confusion and conflict within the team.
• 🤝 Interpersonal conflict arises from misaligned working styles and can manifest in unsolicited comments and snide remarks.
• 💡 The perception that some team members are not contributing equally can exacerbate tensions and lead to further conflict.
• 🧐 Team members may jockey for position and compete for recognition and influence, especially in the absence of a unified vision.
• 🗣️ Miscommunication and misperceptions are common during storming, often leading to emotional rather than rational responses.
• 🔄 The formation of sub-teams can occur as individuals seek support and allies within the larger team.
• 🏃‍♂️ Hallway conversations, where team members discuss their frustrations outside of the main group, are a common feature of the storming stage.
• ⏱️ While the storming stage is a necessary part of team development, its duration and intensity can be mitigated through increased awareness and communication.
• 📢 Open and effective communication is key to moving from the storming phase to the norming phase, where team members begin to resolve their differences.

Q & A

What is the Tuckman model?

The Tuckman model is a theory that explains the five essential stages necessary to form a team: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.

What is the 'storming' stage in the Tuckman model?

The storming stage is the second phase in team development where team members, while recognizing the job to be done, are not yet willing to give up their individuality and come together as a team. This stage is characterized by a lack of shared vision, interpersonal conflict, and competition for influence.

Why is the 'storming' stage often dreaded by team members?

The storming stage is dreaded because it involves interpersonal conflict, lack of shared vision, and different operating styles that clash, leading to frustration and tension among team members.

How does the lack of a shared vision contribute to the storming stage?

The lack of a shared vision means team members do not agree on what needs to be done and how to do it, leading to each member working for their own purposes and agenda, which can cause conflict and confusion within the team.

What is an example of interpersonal conflict in the script?

An example of interpersonal conflict in the script is between Captain America and Iron Man, where they have differing approaches to forming a team and executing a plan of attack.

What is a sub-team?

A sub-team is a smaller group that forms within a larger team, often during the storming stage, as members seek support and alignment with others who share similar views or working styles.

Why do sub-teams form during the storming stage?

Sub-teams form as a result of the interpersonal conflict and lack of shared vision, as team members look for support and partners who share their perspective, leading to the formation of smaller, more aligned groups within the team.

What is the significance of increased communication in moving from the storming to the norming stage?

Increased communication is crucial as it helps to clarify misunderstandings, align team members on a shared vision, and resolve conflicts, thus facilitating a smoother transition from the storming to the norming stage.

Can the storming stage be shortened or made less painful?

While the storming stage is a necessary part of team development, it can be made relatively short and less painful depending on the team's awareness of their feelings and behaviors, and the extent of communication and collaboration among members.

What are 'hallway conversations' in the context of the storming stage?

Hallway conversations refer to the informal discussions that take place outside of formal team meetings, often between members of sub-teams, where they express their frustrations and concerns about other team members or the team's direction.

How do the interactions between Captain America and Iron Man illustrate the storming stage?

The interactions between Captain America and Iron Man illustrate the storming stage through their disagreements on team formation, strategy, and work approach, highlighting the clash of individual styles and the struggle to establish a unified team vision.

What is the role of leadership during the storming stage?

Leadership plays a crucial role in the storming stage by facilitating communication, addressing conflicts, and helping to establish a shared vision and goals for the team, which can help to mitigate the challenges of this phase.