From the article “40 Years of storming: a historical review of Tuckman’s model of small group development”, Tuckman’s model of group development remains a foundational framework in understanding how groups evolve, outlining four stages: forming, storming, norming, and performing. During the forming stage, group members familiarize themselves with the task and each other, establishing initial rules. The storming phase introduces conflict and interpersonal tension as members assert their individuality, while norming fosters cohesion, shared norms, and acceptance. Finally, performing marks the stage where the group operates effectively toward its goals. Later, a fifth stage was added, adjourning, to reflect group disbandment. Although widely used, the model has limitations, including its origin in therapy group research, oversimplification of conflict, and assumption of a linear progression. Critics argue that group development can be more complex and nonlinear, with some groups experiencing cycles or multiple developmental paths. Studies generally support the models relevance but highlight the need for flexibility in applying it to real world settings. What I find particularly interesting is how the model, despite its simplicity, continues to offer valuable insight into group dynamics, yet reminds us that human behavior and teamwork rarely fit into neat, predictable stages, showing the importance of adapting theories to the unique context of each group.

Bonebright, D. A. (2010). 40 years of storming: A historical review of Tuckman’s model of small group development. Human Resource Development International, 13(1), 111–120.