After reading the article “40 Years of Storming: A Historical Review of Tuckman’s Model of Small Group Development,” I reflected on my current job, which revolves heavily around teamwork and the ability to understand and support one another. Tuckman proposed a four-stage model for successful group development: forming, storming, norming, and performing.

My current team consists of six people, placing us in a small-group setting. Since I only started this job a few weeks ago, I believe we are currently in the forming stage. We are still learning how each team member works best and how to coordinate effectively. With many moving parts in this organization, it’s essential that everyone stays aligned. Right now, my colleagues are onboarding me with the various software programs and tools used for client management and daily operations. This process requires significant time and effort, as I am navigating new systems while also building relationships with new team members. At the same time, my team is figuring out how to include a new intern into their usual routines.

Over time, I have started to develop closer connections with both my coworkers and supervisors, gaining a better understanding of their personalities and work styles. I anticipate that as we continue working together, our team will progress through the stages of Tuckman’s model and become more cohesive and efficient.

I find Tuckman’s framework to be a valuable lens through which to view small-group dynamics. While the model offers important insights, there are aspects of modern teamwork that it doesn’t fully capture. As organizations evolve and new practices emerge, I believe this model will continue to adapt, reflecting the changing dynamics of team collaboration.

Bonebright, Denise A. “40 years of storming: A historical review of tuckman’s Model of Small Group Development.” Human Resource Development International, vol. 13, no. 1, Feb. 2010, pp. 111–120, https://doi.org/10.1080/13678861003589099.