Five Pages of Group Development

Describe the five stages of group development briefly and explain how relationships form in groups. There is no doubt that great communication is important, and this in no different when working in groups. Stage one of the five stages of group development is basically the getting to know each member of the group. Getting to know the group allows each member to talk about one another’s strengths, weaknesses, and what is expected from the group. During this stage it is also important to choose a leader, set up an agenda and create deadlines to reach the end goal. Stage two is for brainstorming and creative thinking. The challenging part of stage two is to make sure everyone is heard, everyone’s feelings are expressed productively, and creativity is fostered among the team. Stage three has some challenging characteristics in this stage the skills, energy, and individual spirit of each team member is coordinated into the work being done so far. Stage four should be seen as the point where the team becomes independent and removes the leader. This allows the group to openly communicate each members work to make sure the project is on task and any problems are quickly addressed as not to delay the assignment. Stage five is communicating the end and adjourning the group. This final stage allows for each group member to talk about the entire process, while communicating if the member’s expectations were met. Communication within a group should be open and honest; if a break-down occurs changes must me made. When a group’s communication fails, the task will also fail. Role of communication in group development works like in the human body. Communication role starts the moment when the group member get together very first time in forming phase, be that face to face interaction or in virtual word. Through interaction each member assesses other member behavior patterns, personality, professionalism, there willing to work with the group and group’s goal. Communication plays essential part in building perception as well. It helps in making correct decisions, and creating positive perception in the eyes of group members. When group member enters in storming phases, which is also called as Confrontive or Power phase, the challenges of this group stage is that every member should get to express their feelings productively , to avoid any misunderstanding and fraction between them. Member interact with each other and their thoughts, views and ideas clashes, in this having proper communication skills are very significant, as it will help the group to stay on track and understand each other’s opinion in cohesive, understanding and open environment. In case of virtual team, proper communication establish clear expectations, resolving conflict, decision making and to build trust. Virtual teams work best when there is a strong communication structure in the organization or area which clarifies shared expectations and people are willingly communicate openly and honestly. Communication is the key to resolve conflict, between group members to come to consensus, and it also helps members move positively from conflicts towards commitment to the group. Lack of good communication between members can result in arising more personal conflicts which can take group to a different track and group goal can suffer. In norming stage also called as constructive stage, communication help members to sharing ideas, feelings and giving feedback to each other and soliciting feedback, exploring actions and sharing information related to the task. It also support in fostering diversity in the group and taking the most use of it, by understanding and encouraging members to contribute in discussion and present their understandings. Group members start to know each other personality and, communication helps in building relationship among team members. In performing stage, also called as productive stage, group perform as well organized unit, they are interdependent and work through issues smoothly and effectively by using effective and efficient communication.