Forming Storming Norming Performing

Donald B. Egolf

In 1965, Bruce Tuckman published an article on the developmental sequences in small groups and teams. In the article, Tuckman reviewed the works of a number of researchers who studied the developmental stages or phases of small-group development.

In synthesizing the reviewed researchers’ works, Tuckman proposed that groups proceed through four general stages of development: forming, storming, norming, and performing. Tuckman’s synthesis was reasoned and comprehensive. In addition, his quartet of terms provided an excellent mnemonic for students, of whom many remember the quartet long after having taken a class using the book Forming Storming Norming Performing.

The book itself provides an introduction to small-group and team communication. It provides guidelines for helping readers become successful communicators in groups and teams. Specific emphasis is placed on the following topics as they relate to group and team communication: the basics, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, conflict, problem solving, group presentations, leadership, computer-mediated group discussions, and the evaluation of group performance.