What characterizes the 'forming' stage of team development?

The 'forming' stage of team development is primarily characterized by the establishment of team goals and norms. During this initial phase, team members come together, introduce themselves, and familiarize themselves with the group's purpose. They discuss the objectives they aim to achieve, which helps in creating a foundational understanding of what is expected from each member. Establishing norms at this stage is crucial as it sets the groundwork for how the team will interact and collaborate moving forward.

In contrast, defining roles and responsibilities through conflict is more indicative of the 'storming' stage, where team members begin to express their opinions and may encounter disagreements as they carve out their positions within the team. Maximizing task completion through collaboration typically occurs in the 'performing' stage, when the team is fully functional and working cohesively towards their objectives. Evaluating team progress towards objectives is a process that is generally carried out throughout the lifecycle of the team but is a more significant focus in the 'adjourning' or 'performing' stages, rather than during the initial forming phase.