The Phoenix Suns are one of the most exciting teams in the NBA, and they have recently acquired superstar Kevin Durant. As with any new addition to a team, there is a process of integration that needs to take place, and we’d like to imagine that the Suns are using the recommended Rockstar Workforce method of team development to onboard Kevin Durant.
When it comes to building high-performing teams, we use Bruce Tuckman’s theory that suggests teams go through four distinct stages of development: forming, storming, norming, and performing. By understanding each of these stages and applying them appropriately, the Suns are well-positioned to help Durant integrate seamlessly into their squad.
Forming Stage: Creating An Aligned Vision For Success
The forming stage is characterized by a team’s initial meeting and getting to know each other. In the Suns’ case, this would have been the first time Kevin Durant joined the team. The Suns would have introduced Durant to the team and provided him with an overview of their goals and objectives for the remainder of the season. Which of course is to win a championship!
During this stage, the Suns would have also assessed Durant’s strengths and weaknesses and identified how he could best contribute to the team. They would have also provided him with an understanding of the team’s culture, expectations, and standards.
Storming Stage: Working Through Conflict
The storming stage is when the team starts to experience conflict as individuals’ personalities and working styles begin to clash. In the Suns’ case, this would be the stage where Kevin Durant is likely to challenge the team’s status quo and express his opinions and ideas.
The Suns will need to manage this stage carefully by creating an environment where team members can share their thoughts and opinions without fear of retribution. They will need to actively listen to Durant and work with him to find common ground, build trust, and learn to support each other and work together.
Norming Stage: Coming Together Around Shared Goals
The norming stage is when the team starts to develop a shared sense of identity and purpose. In the Suns’ case, this would be the stage where Durant starts to build relationships with his teammates and feels like he is part of the team.
The Suns will need to encourage positive interactions between Durant and his teammates, and foster an environment where everyone is working towards the same goal. They will need to promote open communication, active listening, and a willingness to compromise.
Performing Stage: Deliver Results As A Team
The performing stage is when the team starts to achieve its goals and deliver results. In the Suns’ case, this would be the stage where Durant is fully integrated into the team, and they are working together to achieve their shared goal.
The Suns will need to continue to support Durant and his teammates throughout this stage and provide them with the resources they need to achieve success. They will need to maintain open lines of communication, promote a positive team culture, and celebrate their successes together.
By understanding each of these stages and applying them appropriately, the Suns could be well-positioned to help Durant integrate seamlessly into their squad. With the right approach and a shared sense of purpose, the Suns and Durant might be able to achieve great things together, like bringing Phoenix its first NBA championship!
Learn how to recognize and communicate with individual disc styles with this helpful resource so that you can get the best performance out of your team:
