Team Dynamics
Every team goes through various stages of development
Teams come in all shapes and sizes, most all teams go through the five stages of development. The stages are: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing. This idea comes from Bruce Tuckman and originated in 1965. It is critical for the producer to understand which stage of development their team is in. This article explains how to recognize each stage, and how to navigate through the tough parts.
Forming
Forming is the first stage of team dynamics. This is the polite stage of the team building process. People are still getting to know each other. As a producer this is the best time to get to know your team. As a producer, you can help teams get to know each other with team building activities, this can be as small as ice breaker games. Your goal is to learn how each member of your team communicates. This information will serve you well in later stages as misunderstandings start to occur.
Storming
After the team has gotten comfortable, they often enter the storming stage. Storming is probably the most dangerous phase of a team’s growth. This stage will require the most hands-on work as a producer. In my experience, a lot of team issues boil down to communication. Conflict may always manifest through words. Body language such as sighs, or eye rolls could be the sign of a larger issue. It’s always best to handle conflicts head on instead of allowing them to fester. Help the team clarify roles if needed as this is another source of potential conflict.
Story Time:
One of the projects I worked on had a major team issue. There was a personality clash between an artist and programmer.
The two would get into shouting matches during calls.
The situation got so bad that the programmer quit.
I had to facilitate a meeting with both parties to help them talk through their differences.
The two had different communication styles.
I resolved to be the conduit between the two to prevent miscommunication.
We talked through their differences and were able to finish working together successfully.
Norming
The team is starting to buy into the process. Each team member understands their roles and conflicts are less frequent. At this stage, the team can resolve communication issues on their own. Celebrate wins during this stage. As a producer, your responsibility is to make sure the team stays on track during this time. Make sure the team has consensus on the state of the project, and whatever else is needed. Meetings are an effective tool for keeping this consensus.
Performing
The team has figured it out and is just working toward their goals. The performing stage feels rewarding based on the hard work you and the team have done in the other stage. Continue to monitor the team’s tasks and remove any confusion that arises.
Here’s An Example From Sports
All of these team dynamics played out with the 2010 version of the Miami Heat. When Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh joined forces in 2010 expectations were high.
Forming: They got off to a fast start, and racked up an impressive win total.
Storming: the team made it all the way to the finals in their first iteration, but ran into their first test. A lot was made out of who would make the final shot. Even Though Wade and Lebron downplayed it, Miami lost to Dallas in the 2010 NBA finals. It was a stunning upset.
Norming: Instead of falling apart, The Heat doubled down and came back stronger in the next season. Coach Eric Spoelstra (The Project Manager) got the team to buy into new roles. Lebron became the focus but would pass to open shooters. This resulted in the team winning a lot. Much to my chagrin as a Bulls fan.
Performing: This formula resulted in two back to back championships and four total Finals appearances.
The Takeaway: The coach looked at the strengths and weaknesses of his team, and found a path to success. Crucially he got everyone to accept their roles in order to move forward.
Conclusion and Tips
Help the team get to know each other during the Norming stage, This familiarity will help the team with communication conflicts that arise in later stages.
Learn people’s communication styles; Keep notes on how each teammate prefers to communicate.
Keep an eye on issues, and look for ways to resolve them proactively
Ensure that your team maintains alignment, you can do this with effective meetings and making information widely available.