Which stage occurs after members have established ground rules but before they express individual opinions?

The stage that occurs after members have established ground rules but before they express individual opinions is the norming stage. During this phase, team members begin to develop a sense of cohesion and camaraderie. They focus on building relationships, establishing trust, and working collaboratively towards common goals. This stage follows the initial establishment of norms and ground rules, leading to a more structured approach where members feel secure enough to share their perspectives, though it may not be fully articulated until the next stage.

In norming, the groundwork laid by earlier discussions helps the team to establish an atmosphere conducive to open communication. The team members are likely starting to collaborate more effectively as they align their contributions with the collective objectives. This stage is crucial for moving towards expressing individual opinions, which happens more prominently in the subsequent phase as the group becomes even more cohesive and collaborative.

The other stages—forming, storming, and performing—represent different dynamics in the team development process. Forming is where initial introductions and ground rules occur, storming involves conflict and competition as members assert their ideas, and performing is characterized by a fully functioning team that can work together seamlessly. Each stage has its importance, but the norming stage specifically represents the transition from establishing norms to beginning the deeper engagement of