Norming stage
The Norming stage is the third phase of team development. During this time, the team grows more mature, settles internal disagreements, sets shared ways of working, and figures out how to collaborate effectively. It is a settling-in and adjustment period.
Key Points
- Third stage after Forming and Storming, before Performing.
- Roles, norms, and working agreements become clear; communication improves.
- Conflict decreases while trust, cohesion, and psychological safety increase.
- The project manager or Scrum Master facilitates lightly as the team self-organizes.
Example
After early friction over coding standards and estimation, an agile team agrees on a Definition of Done, establishes stand-up etiquette, and sets a code review rotation. Disputes are handled constructively, and the team delivers a stable sprint increment together.
PMP Example Question
Which situation best indicates a team is in the Norming stage?
- Team members avoid disagreement and depend on the manager for direction.
- Frequent personal conflicts and competition dominate team interactions.
- The team agrees on working agreements and resolves disagreements constructively.
- The team consistently delivers high performance with minimal oversight.
Correct Answer: C — The team aligns on norms and handles conflict productively.
Explanation: In Norming, teams establish shared processes and collaborate smoothly, unlike Forming (A), Storming (B), or Performing (D).
