Final answer:
The leader's role primarily focuses on recognizing the group's achievements during the Performing stage (D) of group development. This is when the group functions at a high level with collaborative efforts and trust established among its members.
Step-by-step explanation:
At what stage of group development is the leader's role primarily one of recognition of the group's achievements? The correct answer is D) Performing.
During the Performing stage of group development, the group has matured, is organized, and is well-functioning. This is the point where group members are productive, supportive of one another, and capable of making decisions without supervising authority. The leader, in this stage, primarily celebrates the group's progress and successes, providing recognition for the achievements and fostering a sense of shared accomplishment. The emphasis is on optimizing performance and reaching the group's goals effectively. Members work collaboratively and have usually established a high level of trust.
The other stages of group development, which include Forming, Storming, Norming, and Adjourning, serve different functions in the evolution of a team. The Performing stage stands out as the phase where the strengths of the group are highlighted, and the leader's role is to acknowledge the group's accomplishments.