Reading the Bonebright article the Tuckman’s stages reminded me of my computer science group last year (Bonebright, 2010). At first, we were polite and a bit awkward, which is classic forming. By the final coding project, we were performing with quick check-ins, clear roles, and our results came together smoothly. After the presentation, we kind of skipped adjourning and moved on. Looking back, I wish we had taken a moment to celebrate and reflect because the model showed me how endings matter for closure and future teamwork.

This review of Tuckman’s model reminds me of Gersick’s punctuated-equilibrium research. This research argues that teams don’t always move in a straight line and often change in spurts around midpoints (Ape, 2025). The Bonebright article notes that real groups can be more iterative and context-dependent than a neat sequence. It resembles other brief frameworks I’ve read that offer a shared language, even if they simplify things.  It highlights limitations, like therapy-group bias in early sources and a lack of attention to creativity or teams that never progress past storming.

In the real world, organizations continue to invest heavily in teams, including project squads, product trios, leadership groups, and other virtual teams. The article explains why Tuckman’s labels spread, which offer memorable and practical terms during a time of increased team use. The article also relates to today’s situations. Remote and cross-functional teams often see longer forming phases and more intense storming because norms aren’t as obvious. Additionally, some highly creative teams thrive on constructive conflict rather than resolving it afterward. However, as the review points out, having a simple, shared map aids discussions about what’s happening and what to do next. This is true even if people need to consider context, power dynamics, and environmental factors. In this way, Tuckman’s stages provide a solid starting point rather than a final goal.

Ape. (n.d.). The punctuated equilibrium model of group development. Retrieved September 10, 2025, from https://apepm.co.uk/punctuated-equilibrium/

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.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13678861003589099