The norming stage, also called the resolution stage, is characterized by high development. With time, members often resolve the differences between their initial expectations and the realities of objectives, tasks, skills, and so forth. As members develop competence, they often become more satisfied with the group as they develop friendships.

With time, members often resolve the differences between their initial expectations and the realities of objectives, tasks, skills, and so forth. Members learn to work together as they attain a group structure and process with acceptable leadership, norms, status, cohesiveness, and decision making. During periods of conflict or change, the group needs to resolve these issues. During the norming stage, the appropriate management style is usually participative: You and the group members share decision making.

When commitment varies, it is usually because there is some problem in the group’s process, such as a conflict. You need to focus on maintenance behavior to get the group through the issue(s) it faces. If you continue to provide task directives that are not needed, the group can become dissatisfied.