Leading Teams series

Sarah A. Bush, Carrie N. Baker, Laura L. Greenhaw, and Matthew Gold

This publication from the Leading Teams series explains the second stage of group development: the storming stage. This publication highlights the importance of conflict and ways that leaders and team members can effectively navigate and learn from team challenges and disruptions. Written by Sarah A. Bush, Carrie N. Baker, Laura L. Greenhaw, and Matthew Gold, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, June 2024.

Carrie N. Baker, Sarah A. Bush, Laura L. Greenhaw, Matthew Gold, and Rachel Biderman

As a part of the Leading Teams series, this article explains the performing stage of group development. This article discusses how Extension team leaders and members can produce results during this stage and provides practical recommendations for enhancing team performance and outcomes. Written by Carrie N. Baker, Sarah A. Bush, Laura L. Greenhaw, Matthew Gold, and Rachel Biderman, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, February 2025.

Sarah A. Bush, Carrie N. Baker, yLaura L. Greenhaw

As a part of the Leading Teams series, this article reviews the fifth and final stage of group development: the adjourning stage. An overview of recommendations for performance evaluations and rewards systems is provided. Additionally, the importance of investing time in the adjourning stage and ways to start a new project after the completion of the original team project are described. Written by Sarah A. Bush, Carrie N. Baker, and Laura L. Greenhaw, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, June 2025.

Laura L. Greenhaw, Sarah A. Bush, yCarrie N. Baker

This is the first publication on a series on leading teams. This introduction describes why teamwork is necessary, the challenges and benefits, and the difference between groups and teams. We briefly describe group development models that will be described through the remaining publications in the series.

Annie Muscato, Sarah A. Bush, Laura L. Greenhaw, yCarrie N. Baker

Most organizations rely on strong, effective groups and teams to operate. Many theories and models related to teams and team development exist. However, Tuckman and Jensen’s (1977) model of group development is still the most used (Fritz et al., 2005). In this article, we outline the five stages of small-group development (Tuckman & Jensen, 1977). Team members and leaders can use this model to improve their effectiveness (Burns, 1995). In the Leading Teams series, we discuss each stage in depth and provide actions leaders can use to guide their teams through each stage.

Laura L. Greenhaw, Sarah A. Bush, Carrie N. Baker, and Matthew Gold

This third article in the Leading Teams series describes the forming stage teams experience when they are initially assembled. This article describes expected experiences for teams in the forming stage, as well as practical tips for both team members and leaders to successfully support a team through the stage. Written by Laura L. Greenhaw, Sarah A. Bush, Carrie N. Baker, and Matthew Gold, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, April 2024.