ABSTRACT
Polite but not yet trusting. Formalities are maintained and members are treated as strangers. Everyone is a bit wary of each other, particularly if they do not know anyone and particularly if the manager is new
Testing others. Members start to communicate their feelings but probably do not yet view themselves as part of the team. Most groups go through a conflict stage, when initial consensus on purposes, leadership, norms of behaviour and work, is challenged and re-established
People feel a part of the team and realize that they can achieve work if they accept other viewpoints. Norming is characterized by acceptance. The group needs to establish norms and practices. When and how it should work, how it should take decisions, what type of behaviour, what level of work, and what degree of openness and trust
The team works in an open and trusting atmosphere, where flexibility is the key, and hierarchy is of little importance. Not every team makes it to this stage. At the performing stage, team members are focused on team goals and are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the team.
