Final answer:
To navigate past the storming phase into the norming stage, a leader should encourage communication, establish clear roles, align on values, and focus on common goals. Observing and understanding the organization's culture aids in conflict resolution. Team-building exercises and active listening are also essential to promote teamwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
When facing the challenge of an extended storming phase in Bruce Tuckman's team development model, it is essential for a leader to accelerate the transition to the norming stage. The storming phase can be characterized by team conflicts and power struggles as individual personalities and working styles clash. To move past this, a leader should encourage open communication, establish clear roles and responsibilities, and set aligned goals.
Understanding the organization's culture, including its values, beliefs, and norms, is incredibly important. Observing these cultural elements can guide a leader in addressing conflicts effectively. For example, aligning on the importance of patient care in a hospital can refocus the team on a shared goal. A good leader will also work to facilitate compromise, build mutual respect, and create a sense of ownership among the team members. It is beneficial to engage the team in problem-solving activities and to clarify the outcomes expected by the upper management. This focus on shared objectives can reduce personal conflicts as the team aligns towards a common purpose.
Moreover, actively listening to team members' concerns, providing mentorship, and promoting teamwork through team-building exercises can all contribute to moving the team into the norming phase. Timely resolution of interpersonal disputes and focus on team cohesion will eventually allow the team to perform effectively, thus reaching the performing stage where they can work collaboratively on solving the problem at hand.