In Tuckman's Forming-Storming-Norming-Performing model, which phase is characterized by the team first meeting, unclear roles, and leadership providing direction?

• A. Forming → Team first meets, roles are unclear, leader provides direction, excitement mixed with uncertainty.
• B. Storming → Conflict arises, members compete for roles, communication breaks down, tension is high.
• C. Norming → Team establishes rules, cohesion builds, roles become clear, cooperation increases.
• D. Performing → Team reaches peak productivity, members work autonomously toward shared goals.

Answer: (A)

The forming stage is when a team first comes together, roles are unclear, and leadership provides direction. In this phase, people are getting oriented, learning who does what, and the leader sets goals, expectations, and boundaries to guide the group. That combination—initial meeting, ambiguity about responsibilities, and guidance from the leader—defines forming. The other stages move beyond this: storming brings conflict as roles and approaches clash; norming settles into shared norms and clearer roles; performing focuses on productive, autonomous work toward shared goals.