At which stage of team evolution are mistakes considered a part of learning?

The correct answer is the stage known as Norming. During this phase of team evolution, members begin to establish a sense of cohesion and collaboration. They develop mutual respect and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In this supportive environment, team members feel safe to express ideas and make mistakes, seeing them as opportunities for improvement and learning.

Mistakes are integral to the growth of the team during the Norming stage as individuals begin to navigate their roles more effectively. The team's focus shifts towards solutions and constructive feedback, which promotes a culture of continuous improvement. As the team learns to work more harmoniously, these experiences, including mistakes, contribute to building stronger processes and relationships within the team.

In contrast, the other stages—Forming, Storming, and Adjourning—focus on different dynamics, such as the initial organization of the team, conflicts that arise from differing opinions, and the conclusion of team activities, respectively. While mistakes may occur in those stages, it is during Norming that they are most effectively utilized as learning opportunities.