The team becomes more comfortable with each other and begins to question the team's charge and how it is going about
its work. Some members may become impatient about the lack of progress and start arguments about the actions the team
should take. The members try to rely solely on their individual and professional experience, resisting collaboration with
other team members. Personal agendas may drive member participation, and members push their own ideas regarding task
definition and resolution. During this phase, members question the wisdom of those who selected this project and appointed
the other members of the team. The members may argue, even if they agree, and this phase may be marked by members
choosing sides within the group, making bids for power and drawing divisional lines.

Tool: Conflict Management


Teams that do not go through storming are thought never to norm or perform well as a team. Managing disagreements and
conflicts effectively is a critical tool for progressing through this stage.

Conflict Styles
Orientation Description Focus on Task Focus on Relationship
Competitive Win at another's expense Very High Very Low
Compromising Give and take High Low
Collaborative Win-win High High
Avoidance Avoids Conflict Low High
Accommodating Changes to appease Very Low Very High

Tools Glossary Resources

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