Why is flexibility important during the norming stage?

Flexibility is crucial during the norming stage because it facilitates the evolution of standards and expectations among team members. At this point in team development, members have begun to establish a sense of community and trust, leading to improved communication and collaboration. With flexibility, team members can adapt to new ideas and changes in expectations, allowing for a more cohesive working environment. This adaptability helps the team to collectively determine and refine their norms and guidelines for interaction and workflow, making it easier for them to work together effectively.

In the norming stage, if team members are rigid in their approach, it could hinder the progress of establishing effective team dynamics. Embracing flexibility allows for the negotiation of roles, responsibilities, and processes, which ultimately contributes to greater teamwork and enhances the overall effectiveness of the group.