Stages of Team Development

Despite such growing evidence there is very little to suggest that am development initiatives are being carried out in mental health settings. In order to develop team working in health care, it is important to do a full evaluation of the team and to identify its strengths and weaknesses(Been, 1999). Understanding how to create teams begins by understands that team processes vary according to the stage of their development and that their beginning requires particular consideration.

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First Is the forming stage, this Is where team members gain self-awareness and seek acceptance from other members. They have a great need to adapt to the team or fit in at that point. They are enthusiastic and focused on role definition. During this honeymoon stage, members are excessively courteous and non-threatening despite feelings of anxiety. Team members note similarities and differences among themselves and form alliance and bonds. Members raise questions about the purpose of the team, available resources, time constraints, their roles and strengths and weaknesses of other members.

The second stage called storming Is characterized by turbulence and stress, as embers become more task oriented. Team resilience Is tested as tensions build and trust becomes tenuous. Personality conflicts and hidden agendas also emerge. Goals are blurred and resolution depends on effective leadership. By providing clear direction and encouraging members to adopt specific roles the team leader focuses the group. Any issues left unresolved during this stage will re-emerge at a later stage. The third team development stage is the morning stage.

This occurs after initial conflicts have been resolved, roles accepted, and the strengths and limitations of am members acknowledged. As members feel less threatened, tensions decrease, allowing the team to focus on purposes and goals. Productivity increases and morale improves as the team becomes more confident In their common purpose (Lapel & Outsold, 2000). The fourth stage is the performing stage in which team members begin to see stage is characterized by productivity, quality decision-making, progression towards the stated goals and personal growth on the part of team members.