What do teams typically experience before becoming functional and productive?

Before a team can become functional and productive, it typically goes through various stages of development. These stages are outlined in models such as Bruce Tuckman's stages of group development, which include forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Each of these stages reflects the team's progress in building relationships, establishing norms, clarifying roles, and working effectively together.

During the initial stages, teams may face challenges and conflicts as members navigate their roles and develop their working relationships. However, it is the progression through these stages that ultimately leads to increased cohesion and productivity. By understanding and recognizing these stages, team members can better prepare for and address the inevitable challenges they will face on their journey toward becoming a successful unit.

In contrast, while conflicts, problems, and successes can occur within a team, they are often part of the stages of development and may not encapsulate the broader process of transitioning from a forming to a performing team. Therefore, understanding the stages provides a framework for anticipating what teams typically experience in their growth towards effective functioning.