Which stage of the team life cycle is typically characterized by members experiencing conflict and trying to establish roles?

• A. Forming
• B. Storming
• C. Norming
• D. Performing

Answer: (B)

Conflict and role clarification typically occur in the storming stage of team development. In this phase, team members push against boundaries as they test ideas, leadership, and responsibilities, which often surfaces disagreements about goals, authority, and how work should be done. This friction is a natural and important part of moving from a roughly coordinated group into a more defined, functioning team. Through storms of discussion and negotiation, roles become clearer, norms start to form, and trust begins to develop. Effective facilitation during this time—clear assignment of responsibilities, open channels for feedback, and a focus on psychological safety—helps the team transform conflict into constructive progress. As conflicts are resolved and expectations align, the team moves toward norming, where established norms guide behavior and collaboration improves, ultimately leading to performing as the group works smoothly toward its objectives.