Group Development

Courtesy of aspireforsuccess.com

Forming, storming, norming, and performing... I really like this model on group development. But like most models, I think it is a useful way of thinking about something and not necessarily a realistic representation of group development. In my opinion, the model captures the reality of group development if it is thought of more of a cyclical, simultaneous process, rather than linear. With this in mind, I think that, to a certain degree, our area time is simultaneously going through each of these stages. Let me illustrate:

• Forming: Our group is still working out more of the fine details of who is responsible for what and how each person will "fit" into the whole.
• Storming: There has actually been very little outward storming--everyone in our group is quite tactful--put I do think that some internal storming has been occurring.
• Norming: Groups patterns, culture, and protocol is currently being established e.g. Fiesta Friday, "irregardless," and how to best correct others.
• Performing: I do feel that our groups is being productive and performing to a certain degree.

As I said, I am not sure that a group can ever completely be entirely in the performing stage but I will do my best to help my team stay primarily in the performing stage by working hard, being respectful of others, following group norms and protocol, and by seeking to compromise and avoid contention whenever possible.

Similarly, I will do my part to help BYUSA as a whole stay in the performing stage by doing these same things but by also working diligently in my defined role, encouraging others to do the same, and by seeking to always help newcomers assimilate by befriending, welcoming, and including them.