Team building is an essential process for the development of a successful team, especially in the realm of esports. In the context of a Valorant team, which relies on precise communication and collaboration, the five classic stages of team building—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning (or Mourning)—are crucial. This model, developed by Bruce Tuckman in 1965, outlines the phases a team goes through to work efficiently and cohesively. Each stage has specific challenges and requires particular actions to transition to the next stage. Here is a detailed look at these stages, their specific problems, and what a Valorant team needs to successfully navigate through them.
1. Forming (Orientation Phase)
In the Forming stage, team members come together for the first time. Everyone is polite, cautious, and trying to get a sense of the group dynamics. In esports, particularly with a new Valorant team, players are busy understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and play styles of their new teammates.
Challenges:
– Uncertainty about roles and responsibilities: Players are unsure of their roles within the team and what is expected of them.
– Hesitation and reticence: Team members might be reluctant to voice their opinions and ideas, leading to superficial communication.
– Lack of trust: There is no established trust between team members yet, making collaboration difficult.
Actions to move to the next stage:
– Clear communication: Introducing and discussing team goals and expectations helps create a shared foundation and orientation for all team members.
– Team-building activities: Engaging in games and strategy discussions to foster cohesion. This helps build trust and a sense of community.
– Role definition: Assigning roles to each player based on their strengths and preferences to prevent future confusion and conflicts.
2. Storming (Conflict Phase)
The Storming stage is characterised by conflicts and disagreements. Players might argue over strategies, play styles, or personal traits. This phase is critical as it exposes the tensions within the team.
Challenges:
– Conflicts and power struggles: Differences over game strategies or personal traits can lead to conflicts that divide the team.
– Resistance to team goals and strategies: Some team members might resist the established goals and strategies, affecting team cohesion.
– Unclear individual roles and responsibilities: Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise if roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined.
Actions to move to the next stage:
– Conflict resolution: Introducing mediation mechanisms to resolve disputes. An experienced coach or InGame Leader (IGL) can mediate here.
– Open communication: Promoting a culture where feedback is exchanged constructively and respectfully. Regular team meetings can help clarify misunderstandings.
– Clear leadership: The coach or IGL should provide clear direction and guide the team members through this difficult phase by setting clear goals and expectations.
3. Norming (Normalisation Phase)
In the Norming stage, team members begin to collaborate and build mutual trust. They develop shared values, rules, and norms that guide the team.
Challenges:
– Maintaining motivation: There is a risk of waning motivation as the initial excitement fades.
– Ensuring adherence to team rules and norms: Team members need to respect and follow the established rules and norms to ensure harmonious collaboration.
– Balancing individual needs and team goals: It can be challenging to align the individual needs and goals of players with the overarching goals of the team.
Actions to move to the next stage:
– Team bonding: Regular team meetings and discussions to develop common goals and strategies, strengthening the sense of togetherness.
– Reinforcing positive behaviours: Recognising and rewarding constructive behaviour and good collaboration, motivating players to continue contributing positively.
– Role acceptance: Ensuring that each player accepts their role and understands how they contribute to team success. Clearly defined roles reduce conflicts and misunderstandings.
4. Performing (Performance Phase)
The Performing stage is the pinnacle of team development. The team works efficiently and effectively together, achieving high performance and demonstrating excellent teamwork. In Valorant esports, this means the team executes complex strategies and consistently performs well in competitions.
Challenges:
– Maintaining peak performance: It can be challenging to play consistently at a high level and continually improve.
– Handling success pressure: The pressure to continue being successful can lead to stress and burnout.
– Continuous development and adaptation: The team must continually evolve and adapt to stay competitive.
Actions to maintain this stage:
– Ongoing development: Continuous training and strategic adjustments to keep the team performing at its best. Analysing gameplay and regular feedback sessions are crucial.
– Motivation: Ensuring players stay motivated and engaged through team bonuses, recognition of achievements, and individual development plans.
– Feedback culture: Ongoing analysis of games and feedback sessions to foster constant improvement. Open and honest communication is key here.
5. Adjourning/Mourning (Closure Phase)
In the Adjourning phase, also known as the Mourning phase, the team disbands or prepares for the end of a season or project. This phase is often emotional as players reflect on their shared successes and failures.
Challenges:
– Coping with the emotions of parting: Disbanding the team can lead to sadness and emotional strain.
– Planning for the future of team members: Players need to focus on their individual future plans, which can cause uncertainty.
– Reflecting on the shared time and achieved goals: It is important to reflect and appreciate the shared experiences and accomplishments.
Actions:
– Reflection: Holding team meetings to reflect on team performance and individual development, helping players process their experiences and learn from them.
– Future planning: Discussing future plans of team members, whether they continue together or go separate ways, providing clarity and direction.
– Appreciation: Recognising and celebrating the achieved goals and the shared time, strengthening positive memories and team spirit even as the team disbands.
Navigating through these five stages of team building is crucial for a Valorant team to achieve peak performance. Each stage requires specific actions and strategies to ensure continuous growth and development. Through clear communication, conflict resolution, team-building activities, and ongoing improvement, a Valorant team can master the challenges of each phase and succeed as a strong, cohesive unit. Throughout all stages, the coach and IGL should act as mentors, motivators, and strategists, fostering a positive team culture and ensuring that each member feels valued and supported in their development. Clear communication, empathy, and adaptability are key qualities that will help them navigate the challenges and facilitate the team’s growth and success in Valorant.