Which stage follows the 'forming' phase in team development?

In team development, the stage that follows the forming phase is the storming phase. During the forming phase, team members come together, get to know each other, and start to understand the team's goals and tasks. Once the initial comfort of forming wears off, the team enters the storming phase, where members begin to express their individual perspectives more openly, which may lead to conflicts and challenges as they navigate differing opinions and work styles.

This stage is crucial for teams as it gives members a chance to address unresolved issues and clarify roles. It allows the team to work through interpersonal conflicts and align on their goals, ultimately leading to a stronger foundation for collaborative effort. By moving through the storming phase, teams can develop trust and establish a framework for how they will work together, which prepares them for subsequent stages such as norming, where they start to find common ground and work more cohesively.