Navigating the Stages of Team Development: From Storming to Performing in Your Medical Practice

Running a medical practice is a complex operation. It’s more than just providing excellent patient care—it's managing a team, streamlining processes, and ensuring that all aspects of the practice run smoothly. To succeed, you need a high-performing team that can handle challenges, adapt to changes, and ultimately thrive in their roles. One way to understand and manage this team dynamic is through the mental model of team development: Storming, Norming, and Performing.

This model isn’t just theoretical; it mirrors the complexities you face as a practice owner when guiding your team through various stages of growth. And just like in any organization, knowing what to expect at each stage can help you turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

The Storming Stage: Navigating Conflict in Your Practice

In the storming stage, conflicts tend to arise as team members assert their ideas, expectations clash, and frustrations surface. In a medical practice, this stage can show up in the form of disagreements about protocols, patient handling, or even daily workflows. The storming stage can feel chaotic, but it’s also a necessary part of team growth. As tensions build, the key is not to shy away from conflict but to guide your team through it.

Your job as a practice leader is to facilitate constructive discussions, listen to your team's concerns, and help them work through the discomfort. When managed properly, the storming stage can lead to stronger bonds and clearer paths forward.

The Norming Stage: Establishing a Strong Foundation

Once the storm settles, your team enters the norming stage. This is where relationships stabilize, roles are clarified, and your team begins to operate more cohesively. In this stage, your staff starts to align around the practice’s goals, whether it’s improving patient care, increasing efficiency, or elevating overall performance.

The norming stage is where you begin to see the foundation of a successful practice come together. Processes are streamlined, communication improves, and your team starts to function as a unified group. However, it’s important to remember that while the norming stage feels more comfortable, challenges can still arise. Ongoing guidance and mentorship are key to keeping your team on track.

The Performing Stage: Thriving as a High-Performing Practice

The goal of every practice is to reach the performing stage, where your team is functioning at a high level, working together seamlessly, and driving your practice forward. In the performing stage, your team members are confident in their roles, communication is strong, and your practice is thriving. This is when the real magic happens: patient satisfaction increases, operational efficiency improves, and your team is consistently delivering on your practice’s vision.

But even in the performing stage, complacency can become a threat. High-performing teams need continued coaching, mentorship, and growth opportunities to stay at their peak. Your role as a leader shifts from managing day-to-day issues to strategic planning and ensuring that your team is continuously learning and evolving.

Building a High-Performing Team Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

The good news is, you don’t have to guide your team through these stages alone. We understand the complexities of running a busy practice and managing a team that’s constantly evolving. That’s why we created The Team Dojo—a unique apprenticeship model that takes your staff through every stage of development, from storming to performing, and beyond.

Our program isn’t just about one-time training; it’s an ongoing apprenticeship that focuses on real-world application, mentorship, and continuous support. Whether your team is in the storming stage or reaching new levels in the performing stage, we’re here to provide the coaching and guidance they need to excel.

Ready to elevate your team’s performance?

Learn more about how The Team Dojo can help you create a high-performing, cohesive team by visiting our page. Discover how continuous training and mentorship can turn the complexities of running a practice into opportunities for growth.

If you have any questions or want to discuss how we can support your practice personally, feel free to call or text us at 833-678-0800. We’re here to help you every step of the way!