Communication the 5 Stages of Group Development

Communication

The 5 stages of group development are: Forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. (GMU, n.d.) Stage 4 is the only stage where the group is actually productive.

Stage 1: In this stage, the group leader is sought after for guidance. The group is more or less feeling out the situation and looking for safety. The group is attempting to get acquainted with the task at hand and the other group members. To move on to the next stage, each group member must give up the insecurities associated with the first stage.

Stage2: In stage two, competition and conflict takes over. It is crucial for the group members and the leader to allow for the group to take in new personalities, to show flexibility and to allow for the group members attitude adjustments. The most difficult part of this stage is group patience. If and when conflict occurs, the group must work with understanding. When questions arise about who is responsible for each known task, who is in charge, what the rules should be, and how are group members rewarded or disciplined, the leader must be prepared with answers. This stage is not good for problem solving because there is an undercurrent of tension.

Stage 3: In this stage, the group has begun to come together and group dynamic may begin to form. This bonding is important for teamwork. Attitudes and preconceived ideas are let go and the group starts to think as one unit as opposed to many individuals. Small cliques which may have formed in stages 1 and 2 begin to dissolve. As the group opens up to one another, they can then begin to exchange problem data so the discovery period for a solution to whatever the problem can begin. AS the group exchanges information, creativity levels naturally rise and the majority of individuals appreciate being in the group.

Stage 4: In this stage, evolution of the group tends to have the individual members, although still in the group, begin to show their individual talents. That is if those individual's subconsciously believe that they will help the group come to a solution for the problem. This particular stage is not hit by all groups. This stage is the stage where the most promising solutions can be found. If a group hits this stage, it usually because of an excellent group dynamic and/or group leadership. Individuals are to a point in stage four where interdependence is minimal and members find that they can work independently.

Stage 5: In the final stage, the group is preparing to dissolve. The group leaders should have a planned conclusion. The leader of the group is responsible for not causing group apprehension as the dismissal begins.

The five styles of dealing with conflict are: "Problem-Solve/Collaborate, Fairness, Efficiency, Be Done with It/Compromise, Force/Compete, Choose not to engage/Avoid, Serve/Accommodate." (Culture at Work, n.d.)