Which stage of group growth follows the storming stage?

The correct stage that follows the storming phase in group development is the norming stage. In this phase, team members begin to resolve their differences, appreciate each other's strengths, and work more collaboratively. The relationships become stronger, and the group starts to establish norms and mutual expectations, which improves cohesion and collaboration.

During storming, conflicts and power struggles may arise as individual opinions and personalities clash. Once the team navigates through this turbulence, they enter the norming stage, where they find a more settled and cooperative way of working together. Here, the focus shifts from individual differences to building a stronger team identity and managing issues in a constructive way.

This understanding is critical in many collaborative environments, such as workplaces and educational settings, as it highlights the natural progression of team dynamics. Recognizing this can help leaders and team members anticipate challenges and facilitate smoother transitions into later stages of development.