Page 335 - Nutrition Counseling and Education Skills: A Guide for Professionals

Forming

The first stage, Forming, is a period of getting acquainted and overcoming uneasiness and uncertainty.1,13
Because people desire to be liked, serious issues, controversies, and conflicts are avoided. The group focuses
instead on getting organized for the goals and tasks ahead and getting started on the work. Unwritten group
expectations, norms, and rules of behavior develop. Because members are more focused on themselves and
avoiding conflicts, the facilitator may need to take a more directive approach at this stage.

Eventually members know one another and develop friendships, getting over their reluctance to talk. When
you form a group made up of strangers, either clients or employees, the first session must allow time for
people to become acquainted in order for them to communicate easily.1

Storming

In the second stage, called Storming, the polite phase is over and conflicts develop. Eventually different
approaches and ideas develop as team members open up and disagree with or challenge other members over
power, authority, responsibility, and other issues.1,13 Although this stage can be contentious and
uncomfortable, it is necessary for the full growth of the team.

In some groups, tolerance of differences develops and the differences are resolved; the team moves on. In
other cases, especially when the background of members is very different, conflict continues and the real issues
among group members are not addressed. At this stage, facilitators can encourage the sharing of views and
opinions, but assume a more directive approach toward decision making and acceptable group behaviors.

The inevitable conflict must be replaced by effective discussion and interaction. A supportive climate needs
to develop where members practice empathic listening and nonjudgmental responses.1

Norming

Groups should be seated in a circle so that all members can see each other.
Source: CDC.

By the third stage, Norming, group members have become more accepting of the ideas of others and find
ways to make the team members function together.13 Members are more open and trusting when cooperation
has developed.1 Goals and plans are agreed upon and all members take responsibility for the success of the
team and its work. The facilitator’s role is less important when the team or group can function on its own.

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