Episode 5: Teamwork Takes Time: Navigating Tuckman's Stages of Group Development Model

04/25/25 • 11 min

Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development Model—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning—might sound like corporate buzzwords, but it’s a powerful way to understand how teams evolve. In this episode, Ryan explores how this model plays out in nonprofit settings, with implications for leaders and team members. Whether you're managing a board, staff, or volunteers, knowing your group stage can help guide it forward. Listen in!

📚 Resources for Further Exploration

🔍 Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384–399. - Seminal theory article

📄 Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. C. (1977). Stages of small-group development revisited. Group & Organization Studies, 2(4), 419–427. - Adds the adjourning stage

🛠️ MindTools: Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development https://www.mindtools.com/ay49bon/tuckmans-forming-storming-norming-performing - Model overview and application tips

📚 Resources for Further Exploration

🔍 Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384–399. - Seminal theory article

📄 Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. C. (1977). Stages of small-group development revisited. Group & Organization Studies, 2(4), 419–427. - Adds the adjourning stage

🛠️ MindTools: Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development https://www.mindtools.com/ay49bon/tuckmans-forming-storming-norming-performing - Model overview and application tips

Previous Episode

Episode 4: When Consensus Hurts: Understanding Groupthink

In this episode, Ryan breaks down the concept of Groupthink—what it is, how it creeps into decision-making, and why even smart teams can fall into its trap. From history books to meeting rooms, Ryan explores how to spot it and stop it before it derails your mission.

🧠 Groupthink

Coined by Irving Janis in the 1970s

📖 Learn more:

Overview on Verywell Mind: 👉 https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-groupthink-2795213
Bay of Pigs context from History.com: 👉 https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/bay-of-pigs-invasion
Bay of Pigs lesson on leadership (JFK Library): 👉 https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/the-bay-of-pigs

Next Episode

Episode 6: How Goals Work: Unlocking Motivation with Goal Setting Theory

In this episode, Ryan dives into Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory—what makes goals work, and why “just do it” just doesn’t cut it. Whether you're managing teams or setting personal benchmarks, this theory has something to teach about motivation, clarity, and commitment. Listen in for goal-setting insights you can use in any mission-driven setting.

🎯 Goal Setting Theory

Developed by Edwin Locke & Gary Latham 📖 Learn more:

APA Article (1990): "Work Motivation and Satisfaction: Light at the End of the Tunnel"

👉 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1990.tb00207.x

APA Article (2002): “Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation”

👉 https://doi.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0003-066X.57.9.705

Leadership IQ summary and insights:

👉 https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/goal-setting-theory-locke-latham