Rhythmic Teambuilding

Much of what happens at work follows rhythmic patterns that we can recognize and improvise to ensure continued productivity.  Back in 1965, Bruce Tuckman recognized that small-group development also follows a rhythmic pattern which he codified into a clever model that’s still relevant after more than 50 years.

When a group first engages, he wrote, they are forming.  During this stage, team members get to know each other, the tools they’re working with, and the task at hand.  Some may be highly excited about the new challenge at hand while others may be equally apprehensive.  Team leader roles at this stage are to provide instructions and to build group cohesiveness.

As the team begins working together, they begin storming.  Here, conflicts in personalities

and working styles may surface.  Competition and petty jealousy may arise as members compare abilities and challenge each other.  Team leaders may also be challenged as members question their authority or the value of the objective.

Differences are gradually resolved as the team begins norming.  The objective is clearer now and the methods to achieve it are more familiar.  Relationships are stronger so team members work together, appreciate each other’s strengths, and resolve conflicts quicker.  Team leaders monitor progress, stepping in when necessary to provide advice, correction or praise.

When the team reaches a state of flow, they are performing.  Everyone realizes their individual roles in contributing to the whole and disruptions of work flow are few.  A team “culture” emerges that new members can easily recognize and adapt to.  Team leaders can step back at this stage, and even delegate leadership roles to other team members.

Forming, storming, norming, performing. 

A rhythmic teambuilding metaphor that clearly illustrates and teaches this clever sequence is a one-hour community drum circle.  In a teambuilding drum circle, participants who usually know little about drumming get together with music-making as their objective.

Just like a new team, drum circle participants begin by forming.  They learn about each other, about drums, and about drumming.  The team leader, or facilitator, teaches group norms through body language, and quickly moves them on to storming.  In this stage, participants notice various levels of ability throughout the group and begin making comparisons.  Self-doubt may arise, so the facilitator must acknowledge progress and small successes.

As they continue, the group entrains, the music shows up, and they begin norming.  The facilitator may begin challenging the participants with more complex interventions now and help ease them finally into the performing stage.  The participants have reached their music-making potential and the facilitator may step aside, intervening only to orchestrate.

Are you developing a new team or trying to invigorate one that’s already working together?  A teambuilding drum circle is a hands-on (literally!) rhythmic process that brilliantly illustrates how successful teams form, develop, and create beautiful music.