A project team has been performing well, but a new corporate mandate suddenly changes reporting relationships and adds two new members mid-project. The project manager observes renewed tension and confusion about roles. According to the Tuckman model, what has most likely happened to the team?

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Accepted Answer

The team has regressed to an earlier stage such as forming or storming. Tuckman's stages are not strictly linear; significant changes such as new members or restructuring can cause a team to regress to forming or storming as relationships and roles are re-established. The stages are not irreversible, and adjourning applies only when a team disbands. The PM should help the team re-form and re-normalize.

A project team has been performing well, but a new corporate mandate suddenly changes reporting relationships and adds two new members mid-project. The project manager observes renewed tension and confusion about roles. According to the Tuckman model, what has most likely happened to the team?

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