Team Building and Conflict Resolution

Introduction

During the company’s merging process, we were giving the opportunity to come up with a plan that will help us become a self-directed work group. There will be times during this planning process that conflicts will arise and that is perfectly normal, but we must remember the success of this company is depedent on our mutual success (AIU Online, 2012). During the planning process we will focus on using the Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development Model using forming, norming, storming and performing steps. Using these steps will help with building a team with individuals that have different talents, abilities and backgrounds required to do this job. Using the Tuckman’s model this will help with creating an atmosphere that encourages teamwork, co-operation and interdependence throughout the team.

Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development Model

Forming

The forming stage or the introductory stage is perhaps better known as the “polite” stage in regards to setting up a productive team. During this introduction team members must transform from individuals into a team. As must people have an innate desire to be liked and accepted by their peers this stage can start off a bit awkward since team members are reluctant to offend anyone, lest they become immediately unpopular. When team members do start to speak it is often a short period of bonding full of casual chatter. An exchange of work related gripes is typical, and can actually be healthy as long as said gripes are not too extreme and do not derail until an all out venting session. This stage can also be very frustrating to people who are more ambitious and thus eager to get the work started. Having the leader display leadership skills is essential in this stage (Holeman, n.d.).

As a leader of a team the forming stage can set the example for the rest of the project. As a leader one can deter many further issues amongst the group by setting clear and concise direction. Assigning roles and tasks to individuals, along with a timeline can streamline the entire project and will insure trust from fellow team members. So that everyone feels they have an equal part of the project the team leader should be sure to get at least a basic understanding of everyone’s work related interest and skills so each person can be involved and adequately placed with tasks. Also, setting a schedule of meetings or at least a preferred communication style for prompt follow up get the project started in the right direction. One must remember though, that every time a person is added or deleted from the group there will be a small “reforming” time. Having everything plotted out, all while leaving room for change will be vital to the project and is essential in the forming stage (Holeman, n.d.).

Storming

Storming