Intro to Project Management: Project Resource Management - Developing the Team Tuckman Model, Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

What This Is

Developing the Team is a crucial aspect of project management that involves building a cohesive and effective team to deliver project objectives. This process is often described by Bruce Tuckman's Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning (FSNPA) model. A real-world example of this is building a new software product – a project manager must assemble a team of developers, designers, and testers, guide them through the initial stages of team formation, and eventually lead them to deliver a high-quality product on time.

Key Terms & Formulas

• Forming Stage: Initial team assembly, where members get to know each other and the project goals.
• Storming Stage: Team members assert their individuality, and conflicts may arise as they establish their roles and responsibilities.
• Norming Stage: Team members begin to work together effectively, establish norms, and develop a sense of unity.
• Performing Stage: The team is highly productive, efficient, and effective in achieving project objectives.
• Adjourning Stage: The team disbands, and members move on to new projects or roles.
• Team Cohesion: The degree to which team members are committed to the team and its goals.
• Team Effectiveness: The degree to which the team achieves its objectives and delivers project outcomes.
• Team Size: The number of team members, which affects communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
• Team Structure: The organizational arrangement of team members, including roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
• Communication: The exchange of information among team members, stakeholders, and sponsors.
• Conflict Resolution: The process of addressing and resolving conflicts that arise within the team.

Step-by-Step / Process Flow

1. Assemble the Team: Identify and recruit team members with the necessary skills and expertise.
2. Establish Team Norms: Define team roles, responsibilities, and expectations to promote a sense of unity and purpose.
3. Foster Open Communication: Encourage team members to share ideas, concerns, and feedback to promote collaboration and conflict resolution.
4. Monitor Team Performance: Regularly assess team progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide feedback and coaching.
5. Celebrate Successes: Recognize and reward team achievements to boost morale and motivation.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Assuming team members are automatically cohesive and effective.
• Correction: Establish clear team norms, expectations, and communication channels to promote unity and collaboration.
• Mistake: Failing to address conflicts and issues within the team.
• Correction: Encourage open communication, and address conflicts promptly and fairly to prevent escalation.
• Mistake: Overemphasizing individual contributions over team performance.
• Correction: Foster a team-oriented culture that values collaboration, shared goals, and collective success.

Exam Tips

• Distinguish between Team Cohesion and Team Effectiveness: Cohesion refers to team commitment, while effectiveness refers to project outcomes.
• Understand the Impact of Team Size and Structure: Larger teams may require more formal structures, while smaller teams may be more agile and flexible.
• Recognize the Importance of Communication: Effective communication is critical to team success, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management.

Quick Practice Questions

1. If a team is in the Storming Stage, what can the project manager do to promote team cohesion? Answer: Establish clear team norms and expectations to promote a sense of unity and purpose. Explanation: By defining roles, responsibilities, and expectations, the project manager can help team members understand their place within the team and work together more effectively.

2. A project manager notices that team members are experiencing high levels of conflict during the Storming Stage. What should they do? Answer: Encourage open communication and address conflicts promptly and fairly to prevent escalation. Explanation: By fostering open communication and addressing conflicts early, the project manager can prevent conflicts from escalating and promote a more positive team dynamic.

3. If a team is in the Performing Stage, what can the project manager do to maintain team motivation? Answer: Celebrate team successes and recognize individual contributions to boost morale and motivation. Explanation: By recognizing and rewarding team achievements, the project manager can maintain team motivation and encourage continued high performance.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Forming Stage: Initial team assembly, where members get to know each other and the project goals.
• Storming Stage: Team members assert their individuality, and conflicts may arise as they establish their roles and responsibilities.
• Team Cohesion: The degree to which team members are committed to the team and its goals.
• Team Effectiveness: The degree to which the team achieves its objectives and delivers project outcomes.
• Team Size: The number of team members, which affects communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
• Team Structure: The organizational arrangement of team members, including roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
• Communication: The exchange of information among team members, stakeholders, and sponsors.
• Conflict Resolution: The process of addressing and resolving conflicts that arise within the team.
• Norming Stage: Team members begin to work together effectively, establish norms, and develop a sense of unity.
• Performing Stage: The team is highly productive, efficient, and effective in achieving project objectives.
• Adjourning Stage: The team disbands, and members move on to new projects or roles.