In which stage of team development does mutual trust emerge?

Mutual trust among team members predominantly emerges during the norming stage of team development. In this phase, team members start to resolve their differences, establish norms for acceptable behavior, and work toward a cohesive group dynamic. This process involves open communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding, allowing team members to build rapport and trust in each other’s abilities and intentions.

As individuals share their thoughts and feedback, they begin to respect and support one another, which is crucial for enhancing relationships within the team. This foundation of trust sets the stage for more effective collaboration and problem-solving as the team works together towards shared goals in the subsequent stages. While elements of trust may begin to form earlier in the process, it is during the norming phase that it solidifies, enabling the team to function more effectively.