1. Forming teams: getting everyone on board

Forming teams is a crucial part of the HR process, as it sets the tone for the success of any project or initiative. To get everyone on board, it's important to clearly define the purpose and common goals of the team, ensuring that every team member understands their role and how it contributes to the overall objective. Open and transparent communication is key to ensuring that everyone is aligned and motivated to work towards achieving the team's goals.

In addition to clear communication, it's important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each team member when forming a team. By leveraging the unique skills and abilities of each individual, HR can create a well-rounded team that is capable of achieving success. Moreover, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect within the team is essential to ensure that everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Regular check-ins and constructive feedback sessions can help to keep the team on track and address any potential issues before they escalate. By creating an atmosphere of trust and accountability, HR and team leaders can ensure that the team remains focused and committed to achieving their project goals. Overall, forming teams successfully is about creating a strong foundation built on clear communication, leveraging individual strengths, and nurturing a collaborative and supportive team culture.

2. Storming: share and collaborate

In the storming stage of team development, it is essential for HR to encourage open and effective communication among team members. This stage often involves conflict and disagreement as team members share their ideas and perspectives. HR plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and creating a supportive environment for sharing and expressing diverse viewpoints.

HR can help foster a culture of open communication by organizing team-building activities, workshops, and training sessions that focus on effective communication and collaboration. It is important for HR to encourage active listening and provide opportunities for team members to share their thoughts and ideas in a safe and respectful manner.

During the storming stage, HR can also facilitate group discussions and brainstorming sessions to encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving. By creating opportunities for team members to collaborate and share their expertise, HR can help to build a strong sense of unity and purpose that can significantly team performance.

3. Norming: finding the best way

As HR professionals, finding the best way to establish ground rules within the organization is crucial for an efficient and harmonious work environment. Norming refers to the process of setting and maintaining standards of behavior and performance that are expected from employees. This often involves finding a balance between aligning with company values and allowing for individual differences and growth.

To successfully norm within the organization, HR professionals must first understand the company culture and values. It is important to have a clear understanding of what is expected of employees and what behaviors and performance standards are deemed acceptable.

Once the company’s standards are established, it is important to communicate these norms effectively to all employees. This may involve creating written policies, providing training and development programs, and fostering open communication about expectations and goals.

HR team members should also be prepared to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the established norms. This may involve collecting feedback from employees, conducting performance evaluations, and making necessary adjustments to ensure that the norms continue to serve the organization's best interests.

4. Performing: focus and deliver

Performing at work is about maintaining focus and delivering results. It's about being able to concentrate on the tasks at hand, even in the face of distractions, and consistently producing high-quality work. HR departments recognize the importance of this trait when assessing employee performance.

Employees who are able to maintain focus are not only more productive, but they also tend to make fewer mistakes and are more reliable. This is why HR looks for candidates who have a track record of being able to concentrate on their work and see it through to completion.

Delivering results is equally important. HR understands that employees need to be able to meet deadlines, achieve targets, and produce tangible outcomes for the organization. This requires determination, perseverance, and a results-oriented mindset by the entire team.

5. Adjourning: review and celebrate successes

As an HR professional, it is important to understand the significance of the adjourning stage in the team development process. This stage marks the end of a project or a team's journey and presents an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and closure. As such, it is crucial for HR to facilitate this process by acknowledging and celebrating the team's successes and achievements.

During the adjourning stage, HR can organize a formal gathering or team event to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication put in by the team members. This could include giving out awards, organizing a team lunch or dinner, or simply taking the time to have a meaningful conversation with each team member to understand their contributions and impact.

Additionally, HR can also help in documenting the lessons learned and best practices from the project or team experience. This knowledge can be valuable for future projects and teams, and HR can play a key role in capturing and sharing these insights across the organization.