Tuckman suggested five stages in which leadership role in group formation is demonstrated. These stages-forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning a leader has a great role to play and his or her attitude is likely to determine the reaction of the group (Atherton, 2003). This is much evident in the movie “Remember the Titans” whereby the leader tries everything possible to make his team effective. The following is an illustration of how Tuckman’s stage applies to the movie.
Forming
During the first stage of group formation the groups’ members have not yet know each other and are uncertain of the things expected of them or their leaders. This stage is usually characterized by shyness, uncertainties and usually the difference between the groups members is exaggerated (Atherton, 2003). At this point, the basic thing that a person in a leadership position should do is to ‘break the ice’. Breaking the ice simply mean providing a ground to release the built up tension due to uncertainties and it may involve asking the group to introduce themselves, telling the group members what is expected of them and laying down the basic rules that will work for the group. In the movie ‘Remember the Titans’ during the forming stage coach Boone and coach Yoast both gathers their teams and explain the rule of the group. The rules established motivate the members of the group to be actively involved in acting within the group.
Storming
At storming stage the groups are quiet acquinted with the rules of the group and with each other. Usually there are a lot of conflicts developed at this stage of group formation and if the leader is not keen the group may fail to work as a team later on (Sara, 2011). Storming is important in resolving any conflicts in the group before going to the other stages. In the movie mentioned earlier Coach Boone makes the white and black players to sit together and also explain that they will be sharing rooms. Boone does this aware that there exists some tension between the whites and the blacks which needs to be addressed so the group can accommodate each other and work as a team.
Norming
The norming stage is characterized by trying to come up with a group identity, usually it is important to finish up all the conflicts in the storming stage since any unresolved conflict will present itself during this stage making the group to regress back to the storming stage. Leaders also need to be understanding to the team members just like coach Yoast who offered relational leadership.
Performing
When the group has adopted some uniformity and identity then the group is good to start the work assigned to them (Yoast, 2007). In the movie ‘Remember the Titans’ the team continues to win and even achieves a record of 13-0 win in State championship. They are more confident of taking the cup eventually.
Adjournment
The adjournment stage happens following finishing of the assigned task and achieving the goal and leaders ought to congratulate the team for the good work just like coach Yoast did. Yoast brought the team together with the major aim of congratulating the efforts they efforts they contributed to the favorable results.
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References
Atherton J S. (2003) learning and teatching: Group development(online) UK< http;//www.dmu.ac.uk/~jamesa/teaching/group development.htm Accessessd:www. Chimaaeraconsulting.com/tuckman.htm.>
O'Connell, T. S., & Cuthbertson, B. (2009). Group dynamics in recreation and leisure: Creating conscious groups through an experiential approach. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Sara Schoenhoft (2011). Situational Leadership: An analysis of Remember the Titans <https://fastpitchleadership.wordpress.com/2011/02/23/remember-the-titans/>
Yoast, B. R., & Sullivan, S. (2007). Remember this Titan: The Bill Yoast story : lessons learned from a celebrated coach's journey. Lanham: Taylor Trade Publishing
