1. Forming – The Foundation of Fellowship

Description:
This initial stage focuses on team formation. CPE Students are often polite, cautious, and eager to understand their role within the team. Spiritual leaders look for clarity in mission and connection with one another.

Observable Behaviors:
• Courteous, formal interactions
• Seeking common ground
• Hesitant participation in deep discussions
• Formation of sub-groups or cliques
• Dependence on leadership for direction

Feelings & Thoughts:
• Excitement mixed with anxiety about fitting in
• Curiosity about team dynamics
• Questions like: “What’s my role here?” and “How do I contribute to this team?”
• Desire for acceptance and affirmation

Team Needs:
• Clear team mission, vision, and purpose
• Defined roles and responsibilities
• Ground rules rooted in respect, confidentiality, and trust
• Opportunities for personal sharing to build connection

Leadership Role:
• Provide structure, guidance, and clarity
• Encourage open introductions and team-building activities
• Foster an environment of safety and mutual respect
• Initiate discussions around the team’s mission and values

Reflective Quote:
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” — Henry Ford

Forming is about gathering, seeking connection, and laying the groundwork for collaboration.

2. Storming – Navigating Conflict with Compassion

Description:
As CPE Students move beyond surface-level interactions, differences in perspectives, leadership styles, and approaches may cause tension. This stage is critical for personal and team growth.

Observable Behaviors:
• Disagreements over approaches and roles
• Competing ideas about leadership and decision-making
• Resistance to tasks or group norms
• Emotional responses, including frustration or withdrawal

Feelings & Thoughts:
• Doubts about team effectiveness
• Frustration with conflicting ideas
• Personal insecurities surfacing: “Am I being heard?”
• Tension between individual and group goals

Team Needs:
• Honest, respectful communication
• Conflict resolution strategies
• Reaffirmation of shared mission and values
• Supportive space for expressing concerns without judgment

Leadership Role:
• Address conflict openly and constructively
• Model active listening and empathy
• Guide the team toward common goals
• Encourage reflection during tense moments

Reflective Quote:
“Conflict is the beginning of consciousness.” — M. Esther Harding

Storming is an opportunity to grow in patience, self-awareness, and understanding.

3. Norming – Establishing a Culture of Trust and Unity

Description:
After working through conflicts, CPE Students begin to establish trust. Roles become clear, shared leadership emerges, and the team starts functioning as a cohesive unit.

Observable Behaviors:
• Open, honest communication
• Collaboration on tasks and goals
• Mutual respect and appreciation for diverse strengths
• Constructive feedback given and received gracefully

Feelings & Thoughts:
• Increased sense of belonging and purpose
• Confidence in personal and team contributions
• Emotional safety to express vulnerabilities
• Renewed enthusiasm for the team’s mission

Team Needs:
• Ongoing team rituals or check-ins to maintain unity
• Clear decision-making processes
• Opportunities for mutual support and encouragement
• Consistent feedback to maintain growth

Leadership Role:
• Transition from directive leadership to shared leadership
• Facilitate discussions, encouraging equal participation
• Recognize and celebrate team achievements
• Support team growth without micromanaging

Reflective Quote:
“Trust is built when someone is vulnerable and not taken advantage of.” — Bob Vanourek

Norming reflects the power of trust and the strength that comes from embracing diverse perspectives.

4. Performing – Flourishing in Purpose and Mission

Description:
The team reaches a stage of high performance, marked by collaboration, mutual support, and personal growth. CPE Students work effectively both independently and as part of the team.

Observable Behaviors:
• High levels of trust, autonomy, and collaboration
• Clear, flexible roles allowing for adaptability
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making
• Proactive support for one another and those they serve

Feelings & Thoughts:
• Deep fulfillment in team efforts
• Strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect
• Confidence in facing challenges
• Joy and satisfaction from shared accomplishments

Team Needs:
• Continuous reflection on effectiveness
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Encouragement to maintain balance and prevent burnout
• Regular celebration of milestones

Leadership Role:
• Act as a facilitator rather than a directive leader
• Support ongoing learning and development
• Encourage team members to mentor others
• Provide occasional feedback, focusing on sustainability

Reflective Quote:
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” — Phil Jackson

Performing is where teams thrive, fully embracing collaboration and shared purpose.

5. Adjourning – Reflecting, Releasing, and Rejoicing

Description:
When CPE Students assignment ends or the team disbands, members experience mixed emotions. This stage focuses on closure, reflection, and celebrating the journey.

Observable Behaviors:
• Nostalgia and reflection on shared experiences
• Slower pace as tasks concludes
• Ceremonies or rituals for closure (e.g., farewells, recognition)
• Expressions of gratitude and appreciation

Feelings & Thoughts:
• Sadness about leaving trusted colleagues
• Sense of accomplishment and growth
• Anxiety about future roles or next steps
• Gratitude for the shared journey

Team Needs:
• Opportunities to share personal reflections
• Space to process emotions related to transition
• Recognition of contributions and achievements
• Encouragement for future endeavors

Leadership Role:
• Facilitate reflective activities (e.g., group debriefs, gratitude sessions)
• Acknowledge each member’s growth and contributions
• Offer support during transitions
• Encourage team members to carry lessons learned into new contexts

Reflective Quote:
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss

Adjourning is both an ending and a beginning—a time to honor the past and step forward with gratitude and hope.

Final Thoughts: CPE Students as Servant Leaders

Tuckman’s model reminds us that every team’s journey is dynamic. As CPE Students, we are called not only to serve others but to nurture our own teams with compassion, humility, and self-awareness. Understanding these stages allows us to support one another through the highs and lows of Chaplaincy, growing both as individuals and as a unified team.