In the context of teamwork, what does ‘performing’ refer to?

In the context of teamwork, 'performing' specifically refers to the execution of tasks effectively. This stage in team development, often characterized by a high level of collaboration and communication among team members, signifies that the team has moved beyond initial formation and anxiety stages. At this point, team members understand their roles and responsibilities, possess a strong sense of trust and cohesion, and are focused on achieving team goals.

During the performing stage, teams demonstrate a strong ability to work together effectively to accomplish their objectives, applying the skills and strengths of each member. Emphasis is placed on productivity and problem-solving as the team engages in meaningful work. This is contrasting with other stages like initial forming, where roles are just being established, or conflict resolution, where the focus is on addressing disputes rather than task execution. Evaluation of team performance generally occurs after tasks have been executed and is part of assessing how well the team functioned during the performing phase.