Question

A project manager has assembled a new cross-functional team drawn from five different departments. After two weeks, members are openly questioning each other's roles, competing for influence in meetings, and progress on early deliverables has stalled. The PM recognizes the team is in the storming stage of development. What is the BEST action for the PM to take to move the team toward higher performance?

Accepted Answer

Facilitate discussions to clarify roles and responsibilities and coach members through their differences while reinforcing shared goals.

Answer

Escalate the team dynamics to the sponsor and request that the most disruptive members be replaced with more collaborative resources.

Answer

Wait for the team to naturally progress to the norming stage without intervention, since storming is a normal phase.

Answer

Assign detailed individual tasks to each member so they work independently and avoid conflict during meetings.