Tuckman Model Of Change

The only constant in life is change. This statement is especially true within a business organization. Implementing change is a process and managers need to understand the various ways in which people react and respond to any changes made. Depending on how change is implemented, it can strengthen, weaken or stabilize a team or an organization. As managers, we must understand the dynamics of our team or organization and manage change effectively. I will explore two models of change. These two models, the Tuckman model and the Lewin model, focus on different aspects of change. Tuckman focused on team change and characteristics that a team exhibits during the change process while Lewin focus on initiating and guiding change within an organization. Although the focus of the models is on different aspects, both provide insight as to how a leader can provide support and assistance to the team or organization during the process (Cameron, 2012).

In 1965, Bruce Tuckman published a model describing the four stages of team development (Relations & More, n.d.). Tuckman also explained that as the group transforms into a team, relationships among the members are established and the team leader changes his/her leadership style (Relations & More, n.d.).

The first stage of the Tuckman model is called “Forming” (Relations & More, n.d.). During the forming stage, members are unfamiliar with one another and there is generally no trust among them (Relations & More, n.d.). The members lack commitment to the team at this point (Relations & More, n.d.). During this initial stage, the tasks and goals are not understood by the group and there is a great deal of reliance on the team leader for support and guidance (Relations & More, n.d.). Lea...

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... the entire process used when producing the canopy used on Club Car golf cars. This required bringing members of various teams together to “pick apart” each and every step, from beginning to end, that was taken in the production process. The team members chosen for this task were not accustomed to working with one another. Looking back on the experience, I am able to see aspects of the Tuckman model.

Once the process of production was documented, our new team needed to make modifications in an effort to simplify the process. And once the changes were approved, we had to retrain and enforce the new behaviors. Again, looking back at the project, I can see various points made by the Lewin model.

I found the models presented by Tuckman and Lewin to be interesting because I have actually used them in my work. Everyone has used these two models at some point.