2.1 Forming

At the formation stage, members are:

• finding their feet;

• identifying the task, the boundaries and the rules;

• trying to find ways of approaching the task;

• identifying what information and resources will be needed;

• getting to know one another;

• looking for guidance from the leader;

• learning what kind of behaviour is appropriate.

Some of the worries and concerns at this stage are as follows.

• 'Why am I in this group, and will I fit in?'

• 'What are our aims and objectives?'

• 'Can these aims and objectives really be achieved?'

• 'Am I up to the job?' or perhaps 'Am I capable of more than this?'

• 'How will my performance be assessed?'

• 'How will this group be better than, or different from, the one I've just left?'

• 'How will I get on with the leader and with the other team members?'

• 'Is joining this team good for my career?'