Group Dynamics by Bruce Tuckman: What an IT Leader Should Know

30 October 2024

A team is a group of people working together to achieve a goal that they all believe in, and that would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve if they worked separately or with a different group of people. IT projects, with their rapid timelines and constant changes, demand teams that can communicate effectively, adapt quickly, and solve problems as they arise. Yet even the most skilled IT professionals often struggle to collaborate smoothly from the start. Conflicts emerge, roles become blurred, and productivity stalls—all of which can impact project outcomes.

Bruce Tuckman’s model of group development, which outlines five stages that groups typically go through—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning—offers a practical framework for team leaders in IT. By understanding each stage and knowing what to expect, teams can get through common challenges and create a culture of trust, focus, and adaptability. Ekaterina Belyatinskaya, executive coach and business trainer in the cross-cultural corporate environment, helps to explore how IT leaders can apply Tuckman’s model to support their teams in achieving a balance of individual expertise and cohesive teamwork at every phase of development.

Table of contents:

5 Stages of Group Development
What do leaders do?
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
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