What are the stages of team development, and how can a leader guide a team through them?

• A. Idea, plan, implement, review.
• B. Forming, storming, norming, performing.
• C. Beginning, growing, mature, exiting.
• D. Forming, storming, norming, performing (and adjourning).

Answer: (D)

Teams progress through stages described by Tuckman: forming, storming, norming, performing, and often adjourning when the team ends. The way a leader guides a group through these stages is to tailor actions to the needs of each phase.

In forming, set purpose and goals, clarify roles, establish trust, and create a safe environment where members feel comfortable sharing. During storming, expect and manage conflict by encouraging open communication, aligning on shared goals, and coaching individuals on collaboration and decision-making. In norming, help the team establish norms, routines, and mutual accountability; reinforce collaboration and shared processes, and celebrate early wins to build cohesion. In performing, empower the team to take ownership, delegate with clear expectations, keep removing obstacles, and focus on continuous improvement and results. If the project ends, address adjourning by recognizing contributions, capturing lessons learned, and providing closure.

This option is the best because it explicitly includes adjourning, acknowledging the full lifecycle of a team, whereas the other choices describe nonstandard or incomplete sequences of team development.