What is the first stage in the team development process?

In the team development process, the first stage is forming. This initial phase involves team members coming together and getting acquainted with one another. During forming, individuals start to understand the purpose of the team and the roles they will play. Interactions are often polite and tentative, as team members are typically in the early stages of establishing relationships and norms.

In this stage, leaders often play a crucial role in facilitating introductions and helping team members to find their place within the group. The focus during forming is on understanding team objectives, identifying skills within the team, and building trust through initial communication.

This stage is foundational, as it sets the tone for how the team will develop through the later stages of storming, norming, and performing. Each subsequent stage builds upon the experiences and relationships formed in this first stage, making the forming phase critical for the future success of the team.