Adjourning

Definition

Adjourning is the final stage of team development, where the group disbands after achieving its goals. This stage often involves reflection on the team's experiences and accomplishments, allowing members to process their time together and prepare for future endeavors. It marks a crucial transition where members may experience a sense of loss or nostalgia as they part ways after building relationships and working collaboratively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adjourning can evoke mixed emotions among team members, including sadness over the end of the collaboration and pride in their achievements.
2. It provides an opportunity for team members to celebrate successes and reflect on lessons learned throughout their time together.
3. Effective leaders facilitate the adjourning process by recognizing contributions, providing closure, and helping members transition to new roles or teams.
4. Adjourning is essential for team dynamics, as it allows individuals to process their experiences and fosters positive feelings about teamwork.
5. Some teams may face challenges during adjourning if there is unresolved conflict or lack of clarity about what comes next.

Review Questions

• How does the adjourning stage impact team dynamics and individual member experiences?
  • The adjourning stage significantly impacts team dynamics by allowing members to reflect on their shared experiences and accomplishments. This process can foster a sense of closure, enabling individuals to recognize the relationships they've built. However, if there are unresolved conflicts or lack of clarity about future roles, it can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction or anxiety among members.
• Discuss the role of leadership during the adjourning phase and its influence on team morale.
  • During the adjourning phase, leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the team's morale. Leaders can influence how team members feel about their experiences by acknowledging individual contributions, celebrating successes, and facilitating open discussions about lessons learned. By providing closure and encouraging reflection, effective leaders help maintain positive feelings among members as they transition to new opportunities.
• Evaluate how adjourning can be seen as both an ending and a new beginning for team members, considering its long-term implications.
  • Adjourning represents both an ending and a new beginning for team members. While it marks the conclusion of their collaborative efforts, it also opens doors to future opportunities and new collaborations. The long-term implications of this phase include how well team members have processed their experiences and relationships, which can influence their willingness to engage in future teamwork. A positive adjourning experience can lead to lasting connections and a greater sense of teamwork in new settings.

Related terms

Team Development: The process through which a team evolves from its formation to high performance, typically involving several stages.

Storming: The stage in team development characterized by conflict and competition as team members assert their opinions and roles.

Performing: The stage where the team reaches optimal functioning, effectively collaborating and making progress towards their goals.