Working in a group isn’t always smooth sailing – but recognising it is a natural process can make all the difference. Here are 3 key insights to support your group through its growth:
🔑 Have patience and trust the process!
Get to know the stages a group typically goes through. Awareness can help make the ups and downs feel more manageable. Normalise and welcome each phase as part of a healthy group evolution. Developing into a high-performing team takes time. Clarity around goals, roles, trust and shared understanding doesn’t happen overnight.
🔑 Expect ambiguity at the start (maybe even chaos!)
In early stages, things are often unclear. Part of the development journey is creating a safe space for team members to ask clarifying questions and slowly establish structure and norms.
🔑 See tension as a sign of progress
Conflict is a necessary and healthy part of defining goals, roles and working structures. It’s also key to building trust. When managed well, conflict shows that differing views are welcome – and strengthens collaboration and authenticity.
🧠 These keys are based on insights from Creating Effective Teams: A Guide for Members and Leaders by Susan Wheelan, Maria Åkerlund, and Christian Jacobsson (6th edition).
Keys to Surviving Group Development
