Re: Team building videos LO2609

jack.hirschfeld@his.com
Mon, 28 Aug 95 20:57:17

Replying to LO2581 --

Regarding Tuckman's model, first described as John Warfield has pointed
out in the mid-60s, it should be noted that it generated a reasonably
extensive literature, much of it based on empirical study, which resulted
in a proliferation of models, more of which resemble Tuckman's than
anything else. A colleague of mine collected an lengthy bibliography of
models for her doctoral essay a couple of years ago. The unifying concept
of all the models appears to be the inevitability of passing through
stages.

John said: "I described Tuckman's first three phases using the term
"social overhead", referring to things that behavioral scientists would
suggest have to happen. Our view was that descriptive work does not
describe what has to happen as a rule, but only what they have seen
happening in the past. As such it is very valuable because it tells us
what has to be done to improve."

I bow to John's erudition and experience, both of which are clearly well
beyond my own, yet I cling to the bias that "social overhead" and the
transition through stages of development is a necessary part of team
growth. My gut says, "it stands to reason" and my mind says "you've never
experienced it any other way". But I'm here to learn, and will certainly
look into the interactive management handbook.

--
Jack Hirschfeld                                      Why do birds sing so gay?
jack@his.com