What behavior is encouraged during the Performing stage of group development?

During the Performing stage of group development, the team has moved past earlier conflicts and has established strong working relationships. This stage is characterized by a high level of cooperation, collaboration, and commitment to achieving shared goals.

Voluntary effort from all members is encouraged at this stage because team members feel trusted and valued, leading to increased motivation and engagement. Each member contributes positively, leveraging their unique skills and strengths to support the team’s objectives. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and productivity, allowing the team to function effectively and efficiently.

In contrast, behaviors such as criticism of team members, power struggles over roles, and defensive reactions to feedback would hinder performance and undermine the trust and cohesion developed in the group, which is why they would not be appropriate in this stage. The Performing stage is about harnessing the collective talents of the group to achieve high performance, making voluntary effort a cornerstone of this phase.