Understanding the 4 Stages of Group Development. In 1965, a psychologist named Bruce Tuckman identified a 4 stage model of group development. The 4 stages that were identified are:

Forming:
The first stage is Forming, and the primary focus in this stage is on the people. This includes defining roles, building relationships, creating structure and developing group norms.

Storming:
As time goes on, conflicts eventually arise and teams transition into the Storming stage. This is when frustration and disagreements about roles, goals, and responsibilities begin to surface.

Norming:
During the Norming stage, team members resolve their differences and begin to shift their energy toward the team’s goals. Members start to feel like they are part of a team and can take pleasure from the increased group cohesion.

Performing:
In the Performing stage, processes, structures, and relationships work without friction and the team makes significant progress towards its goals.