Principles of Management CLEP Practice Exam 2025 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

In Tuckman's model of team development, the first stage is referred to as "Forming." This initial stage occurs when a team is first brought together. During this period, team members are introduced to one another and begin to understand the group's objectives and the expectations of their roles. The primary focus is on getting acquainted, establishing relationships, and creating a sense of belonging.

In the Forming stage, individuals are typically polite and tentative as they test the waters in their new environment. There is often uncertainty about the team's direction and the dynamics that will emerge. Team members are still figuring out how to work together effectively and are usually reliant on the guidance of the team leader.

Recognizing this stage is crucial because it sets the foundation for how the team will operate through subsequent phases, such as Storming, Norming, and Performing. Each of those later stages represents further development and evolution of the team's dynamics and effectiveness, but they all build upon the initial foundation established in the Forming stage. Understanding this progression is key to fostering effective teamwork and leadership.