What is the first stage of team growth according to B. W. Tuckman?

The first stage of team growth according to Bruce Tuckman's model is indeed the forming stage. In this initial phase, team members come together and begin to understand the group's goals, structure, and tasks. During forming, individuals are often polite and tentative as they seek to establish relationships and determine their roles within the team. They may also experience uncertainty and hesitation about the team's dynamics.

As members interact, they start to learn about each other's strengths, weaknesses, and working styles. This stage is crucial because it sets the foundation for the team's development, eventually leading to the subsequent stages of storming, norming, and performing. Understanding the forming stage is essential for effective team management, as recognizing the initial dynamics can help leaders facilitate a smoother transition into more productive phases of team development.