What indicates a team is in the norming stage of development?

In the norming stage of team development, members start to establish a cohesive working relationship. This stage is characterized by an increase in harmony and collaboration among team members. Individuals begin to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, and they develop a sense of belonging and commitment to the team's goals. During this phase, the focus shifts from individual ambitions to collective objectives, leading to improved communication and cooperation. This heightened sense of unity allows the team to work more efficiently and effectively as they align their efforts towards shared goals.

The other indicators mentioned, such as the introduction of new team members or the presence of conflict, are characteristic of earlier or different stages of team development. For example, new members joining can disrupt established dynamics, leading to conflict or confusion regarding roles. Frequent conflict typically signifies the storming stage, where differing opinions and personalities clash as team members strive to assert themselves. Similarly, unclear team objectives reflect a lack of direction, which is more aligned with the forming stage, where teams are still trying to understand their purpose and roles.