Tuckmans Theory

Tuckmans Theory

Bruce Tuckman in 1965 developed his theory in order to help organisations. It is one of the more known team development theories. Tuckman's theory focuses on the way in which a team tackles a task. Tuckman later added a fifth phase known as Adjourning and Transforming to cover the finishing of a task.

Forming

The team is assembled and the task is allocated. Team members tend to work alone and although they do not dislike one and other as they have never met before it takes time to create a ream relationship. Time is spent planning, collecting information and bonding.

Storming

The team starts to bond and suggest ideas and input to the group. Different ideas may compete therefore management is needed; this phase can be very negative for the team. Relationships therefore have to be strong between the employees within a team otherwise time is lost in spending on rebuilding trust towards one and other.

Norming

The Norming phase tends to be a moving forward harmonious period. By working together, teams agree on the rules and values by which they operate. In the ideal situation teams begin to trust themselves during this phase as they accept the contribution of each member to the team. Team leaders can take a step back from the team at this stage as individual members take greater responsibility.

Performing

The team is more aware and knows clearly why it is doing what it is doing. The team has a shared vision and is able to stand on its own feet with no interference or participation from the leader. There is a focus on over-achieving goals, and the team makes most of the decisions against criteria agreed with the leader.

* This theory helps the organisation, team leader, team and the individual in a team. This theory helps the organisation as it allows the team to work together in a more structured way and allows the business to gain more ideas in a smoother way.

* This theory helps the team leader as although earlier on in the theory the team leader may need to include more input however once the team have come together in unity the team leader gets to watch the development rather than the employee.

* This theory helps a team due to there is a greater participation and greater focus on reaching goals and targets as such. It allows to the team to form a strong bond.

* This theory helps the individual in a team as it allows them to develop personal skills. By adding input and individual skills the team to grow.