Team effectiveness is improved by the team's ongoing commitment to ongoing reflection and evaluation. In addition to evaluating their results in achieving specific objectives; it is essential for them to understand their development as a team. In a childcare environment a team will go through different stages of development. The first four stages were developed by Bruce Wayne Tuckman (Tuckman stages) "these are for a team to grow to the point where it functions effectively and delivers high qualities". A fifth phase was later added with Mary Ann Jensen for when the team completes the current project. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The speed at which each team moves through the phases depends on the team members and their individual capabilities, the work they are required to do, and the type of leadership available to the team. These stages of team development include the following: Training – In the initial training phase; individuals begin to get to know each other; therefore they will be unsure of each other and their roles and responsibilities within the team, in which case the team leader will provide guidance and support; to maintain a cohesive team. Storming – This is the most important phase where the different members of the team get to know each other. Challenges will start to arise such as personality clashes, differences of opinions and perhaps some uncomfortable atmosphere between them. Blame could easily be placed on the team leader or manager as an easy way out, as their position is perceived as different from the rest of the team. Norming – At this stage the team begins to find their feet and have a sense of direction. The ideas that were given in the assault phase begin to come together, in which case you can move away from this phase to have a more cordial relationship. If you allow this phase to develop, the team will begin to feel more positive. Execution: At this stage each team member begins to apply themselves to the work and complete the task at hand. Since they now know each other quite well, they will take on different roles and responsibilities. Mourning/Adjourning – This phase was added later when a team comes to an end. If a team member is leaving or a new member joins, they are likely to go through a grieving phase, looking to the future and the challenges it may hold. At this stage you may experience some negativity among team members as a way to cope and feel better when they leave. Each team; regardless of what they are working on; will follow the team development phases described above. It is the team leader's job to help the team move through these stages to get it to the point where it is working as effectively as possible towards a common goal.