The 4 Stages of A Group

So a couple weeks ago, I learnt that a functioning group generally goes through  4 stages, Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing. Being the little conceited wretch that I tend to be in some instances, I figured this information was irrelevant and the only reason I needed to remember was to put it on my exam paper. I decided that I've been doing group work all my life so there's nothing that I should be told about understanding a group, at least nothing I didn't already know. About two weeks later, however, I got another group assignment, but this one was completely different as instead of choosing my usual members, I was placed into a group. Turns out the information I'd learnt became pretty handy when it came to understanding and dealing with this new group. Heaven knows if I didn't understand the 4 stages I had learnt and how each group must transition through, along with all the information I picked up about effective teams and empowerment and integration of all members, I would have probably failed this assignment.

Now based on my experience with my group, I am going to break down and interpret the 4 stages of groups:

1. Forming- this is the stage where, as the name suggests, the group is formed

  

My interpretation- Sigh, who the hell are these people and why do I need to work with them

2. Storming- this is the stage of ideas, in which the group plays with various choices and ideas and tries to decide on the best one

My interpretation- If they don't stop talking am going to pull my dam hair out, don't they see that my idea is the best?? But fine, I'll listen and compromise

3. Norming- this is the stage in which some amount of comfort is accomplished and members now attempt to work towards the decided goal

My interpretation- Ok, the sooner I do this foolishness we decided on, the sooner I can finish and leave and not have to talk to these stupid people again, but right now, lets just work together and get it done.

4. Performing- This is the level where intimacy should be at its highest, you have practiced and hopefully bonded and will now present what you have done

My interpretation- The day is finally here, lets get it over with, time to say goodbye, but I might have been wrong, these people aren't so bad, and the presentation did turn out good, maybe I should give them a chance. Well on second thought, nah. Bye!

NB. These were internal thoughts and were not actually said.

This group proved to be a new experience for me, if I didn't understand the 4 stages, I probably wouldn't have been able to navigate through them. The fact is that a group is like any relationship, it will go through various stages, rough patches and good times, it is generally up to us to decide whether we stick with it and see it through. What we need to do, however is to understand it. We need to ensure that communication is conducted on a mutual level, free of stringent hierarchical concepts and that each member is given a chance to not only express their ideas but are empowered and allowed to realise their own potential to, therefore realise the potential of the group. This is not easy though, as can be seen with my experience, sometimes you  have to just hold on to the end and then peacefully part, well at least appear peaceful on the outside lol.