Organizational Behavior: Tuckman

Organizational Behavior
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Tuckman identified four stages that guide team working. He identified forming as the first stage where the group looks up to the leader to give direction and members are careful to remain polite in a distant relationship. Members expect the leader to maintain an open disposition as it relates to information sharing. They clearly understand their role descriptions and performance expectations with their leader role modeling the expected behavior (Wilson, 2010). The director implemented the first stage by organizing one-on-one sessions with his staff to understand and clarify the overlaps and contradictions in the admissions department. He then organized the joint gathering and interaction was important for them to create ground rules, establish boundaries for interpersonal and task behaviors as well as establish a relationship with their leader, Dr. Shaheen (Bonebright, 2010).
Storming is the second stage, and it is characterized by emergence of conflict in the team. Factions within the team may arise resulting in the isolation of others and it may seem impolite (Wilson, 2010). The director explained this stage by stating that it was paramount that employees trusted each other and approached her with any problems to promote cooperation. It was also an effective way of taking suggestions as contributions rather than criticisms where members have as much freedom as possible.
Norming is the third stage where the team players feel at ease with each other because they all follow the ground rules. They value constructive feedback and experience greater cohesion and acceptance within the team (Bonebright, 2010). The director stated that she welcomed constructive feedback and implemented decisions such as holding meetings regularly and stressed the importance of teamwork. Performing is the fourth stage that involves strong communication, mastery of roles, and maturity in conflict resolution (Wilson, 2010). The director explained the stage by stating that the team required being committed to working together to succeed. She also strengthened the team’s capability by increasing staffing levels.
Teamwork involves people contributing their skills and abilities to meet a variety of social and emotional needs. Teamwork is vital in an organization because many businesses rely on it to reach company goals and objectives. Teamwork involves the members having a shared vision and identity. It also requires open communication, collaboration and participation. It is also essential that members engage in issue negotiation and resolution ad well as reflection and assessment to ensure effective contribution of their varying skills sets (Sharma, Kansal, & Paliwal, 2012).
Team spirit on the other hand is the feeling of working together as one group. Teammates help one another to r...