What is the typical emotional experience of team members during the storming phase?

The storming phase is a critical stage in team development where differing opinions, personality clashes, and conflicts often surface. Team members typically experience frustration and confusion as they navigate through disagreements and a lack of clarity regarding roles, responsibilities, and goals. This phase is characterized by heightened emotions as individuals strive to assert their viewpoints while also trying to establish a cohesive working relationship with others.

Experiencing frustration is common because team members may feel overwhelmed by the challenges posed by conflicting ideas and the struggle to find common ground. Confusion arises from the uncertainty that often accompanies this phase, as individuals may not yet have a clear understanding of how to work effectively together. It's a time of adjustment where team dynamics are tested, making it essential for members to communicate openly and work towards resolution.

In contrast, the other emotional states described – excitement and energy, relaxation and ease, or confidence and clarity – are generally associated with later stages of team development, such as norming or performing, when team members have established trust, understand their individual roles, and are effectively collaborating towards common goals.