What is it?

A workshop based on the Tuckman Model (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing) you can use to to help team members understand their current stage, recognise challenges, and develop strategies for achieving high performance.

Why is it useful?

This workshop will help you develop a tailored action plan to move your team toward high performance.

Tuckman's stages of group development (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing) was developed by psychologist Bruce Tuckman in 1965, with the fifth stage (Adjourning) added in 1977.

Objectives

• Introduce the Tuckman Model and its stages.
• Identify the team’s current stage in the Tuckman Model.
• Develop strategies to address challenges and move toward the "Performing" stage.

Resources Required

• Time: 2.5 hours.
• Number of People: Ideally 6-12.
• PowerPoint slides or a whiteboard for the presentation.
• The Tuckman Model summary & key insights.
• Flip charts for recording discussions.
• Marker pens.

Process

Step 1: Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome the team and introduce the objectives of the workshop.
2. Briefly explain the Tuckman Model stages: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning.

Step 2: Icebreaker Activity: "Building the Team Bridge" (30 minutes)

1. Objective: Highlight the importance of collaboration and introduce the idea of different team stages.
2. Instructions: Divide the team into smaller groups (2-3 people each). Give each group a set of simple materials (e.g., straws, tape, paper clips) and ask them to build a small "bridge" in 10 minutes.
3. Debrief: Ask how they felt during the activity. Did they experience confusion, conflict, or cooperation? This sets the stage for discussing how teams naturally go through different stages of development.

Step 3: Introducing the Tuckman Model (15 minutes)

1. Provide a presentation of the Tuckman Model stages. Use flip charts or a projector to illustrate each stage's characteristics and key insights.
2. Discussion: Ask participants to share examples of when they felt their team was in different stages (Forming, Storming, etc.).

Step 4: Self-Assessment: "Where Are We Now?" (20 minutes)

1. Activity: Hand out sticky notes and ask each participant to write down which stage they think the team is currently in (they can also write reasons why).
2. Group Discussion: Place the sticky notes on a flip chart divided into the Tuckman Model stages. Discuss the results:
   • Are there different opinions on the team’s current stage?
   • What behaviours or events led them to their conclusions?

Step 5: Identifying Challenges and Opportunities (20 minutes)

1. Activity: Divide the participants into small groups based on their identified stage. Each group will discuss:
   • What challenges are they facing at this stage?
   • What strategies could help them move to the next stage?
2. Sharing: Have each group share their insights and strategies with the larger group.

Step 6: Action Planning: "Steps to Move Forward" (25 minutes)

1. Activity: Together, identify 2-3 actionable steps the team can take to address current challenges and move toward the "Performing" stage. Write these on a flip chart.
2. Discussion: Assign responsibilities and timelines for each action step, ensuring everyone has a role in the process.

Wrap-Up and Reflection (15 minutes)

1. Reflection: Ask participants to share one key takeaway from the workshop.
2. Summarise the Tuckman Model's key insights and the team's action plan.
3. Follow-Up: Set a date for a meeting to revisit the action plan and discuss the team's progress.