The Impact of AI on Team Development: Revisiting Tuckman’s Model in Modern Project Environments 

Abstract

This article investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms team development through the lens of Tuckman's five-stage model (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning), also known as the Tuckman Ladder. By analysing practical applications of AI tools and presenting empirical findings based on a targeted survey, the article reveals how AI facilitates communication, coordination, and decision-making across different stages of team evolution. Challenges and ethical implications are also discussed to provide a balanced, future-forward perspective for project managers seeking to integrate AI effectively.

Introduction

Tuckman's model of group development—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning—has served as a foundational framework for understanding how teams mature and collaborate. In today's rapidly evolving workplace, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising project environments, reshaping not only how teams perform but how they fundamentally form and grow. The clarity and sequential nature of the Tuckman model, also referred to as the Tuckman Ladder, make it an ideal framework for analysing these AI-driven shifts. 

As emphasised in PMI's AI in Project Management Report (2023)¹, over 80% of high-performing organisations have already begun integrating AI into team dynamics, from task automation to real-time sentiment analysis. This article explores how AI modifies each of Tuckman's stages and provides a survey-based insight into real-world applications, along with critical reflections on ethical considerations. 

"Technology will not replace great managers, but technology in the hands of great managers can be transformational." 
— Jack Welch

"AI will not replace project managers, but project managers who use AI will replace those who don't." 
— PMI, Pulse of the Profession (2023)

1. AI in the Forming Stage

The Forming stage is marked by initial introductions, goal setting, and uncertainty. AI can streamline and enhance this phase by facilitating onboarding and early team interactions. Intelligent onboarding systems such as Notion AI or Microsoft Copilot offer instant access to company knowledge, helping new members acclimate quickly. Chatbots integrated in platforms like Slack (e.g., Donut) can introduce team members to each other and schedule informal meet-and-greets. 

AI-enhanced collaboration tools like Miro AI can assist in visualising team roles and responsibilities, fostering a shared understanding of objectives. These tools reduce ambiguity and establish a foundational layer of clarity from day one. 

2. AI in the Storming Stage

During Storming, teams face internal conflicts, personality clashes, and role confusion. AI tools can help de-escalate tensions by offering objective insights. Sentiment analysis tools embedded in platforms like Microsoft Viva or Zoom can detect early signs of stress or miscommunication. Grammarly Business AI and Otter AI support teams in maintaining professional, respectful communication by improving tone and summarising meetings for consistent understanding. 

Moreover, decision-support bots can mediate by offering neutral suggestions based on past data or company norms. By minimising emotional friction, AI allows teams to navigate Storming with reduced volatility. 

3. AI in the Norming Stage

In the Norming phase, the team starts aligning on shared norms, values, and workflows. AI accelerates this alignment through automation and knowledge management. Notion AI and ClickUp AI can help codify team agreements and responsibilities into actionable items. AI-driven reminders and prompts reinforce team norms and ensure accountability. 

Tools like Trello with AI power-ups suggest optimal workflows based on team behaviour, reducing the effort needed to agree on processes. This allows teams to shift from negotiation to execution more rapidly and smoothly. 

4. AI in the Performing Stage

At the Performing stage, the team reaches peak productivity and synergy. AI becomes a powerful enabler of strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Forecasting tools like Forecast AI and Jira AI provide data-driven predictions, helping teams preempt risks and optimise task allocation. 

Advanced analytics from platforms like Monday.com AI or Asana AI allow for real-time monitoring of workload, performance, and bottlenecks. AI transforms project managers into data-savvy leaders, capable of making smarter decisions faster. 

5. AI in the Adjourning Stage

In the Adjourning stage, teams reflect on lessons learned and capture critical insights from the project. AI tools such as Jira AI and ClickUp AI automatically generate delivery checklists, final reports, and concise summaries that document key outcomes, ensuring that no important detail is overlooked as the team winds down its activities. 

Simultaneously, platforms like Notion AI and Confluence leverage machine learning to archive best practices, experiences, and valuable insights into centralised knowledge repositories, ensuring that organisational wisdom is preserved and easily accessible. 

6. Empirical Insight: Survey-Based Findings

To validate the theoretical insights presented in this article, a targeted survey was conducted involving 30 managers selected through purposive (judgmental) sampling. All participants held at least a bachelor's degree, had a minimum of three years of team leadership experience, and reported using AI tools in team management. Using a 5-point Likert scale—ranging from 1 (no impact) to 5 (very high impact)—respondents evaluated the perceived influence of AI across Tuckman's five stages of team development. 

The results revealed a gradual increase in AI's effectiveness as teams progressed through the stages: 

• 77% impact in Forming: AI is particularly effective in helping teams establish roles and clarify objectives. 
• 63% impact in Storming: While AI helps reduce emotional friction and improve communication, its impact is still moderate in managing conflict. 
• 87% impact in Norming: AI supports the alignment of team norms and workflow, improving coordination and accountability. 
• 100% impact in Performing: AI significantly enhances team productivity, decision-making, and operational efficiency in this stage. 
• 93% impact in Adjourning: AI proves to be highly beneficial in knowledge retention and documenting lessons learned, facilitating the closure of the project. 

Note on Limitations

The use of purposive sampling, while appropriate for accessing knowledgeable individuals, may limit the generalizability of findings. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended. 

This data-driven insight underscores how AI's role evolves throughout the team development process—from setting up foundations in Forming to maximising efficiency in Performing. The survey also highlights the untapped potential of AI in the Adjourning stage, where tools can support knowledge retention and closure. 

7. Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While AI enhances team development, it introduces new risks. Over-reliance on AI can dilute authentic human interaction, a vital component of team cohesion. Algorithmic bias and transparency remain major concerns, as does the risk of reducing team members to data points. Leaders must remain vigilant, ensuring AI augments rather than overrides human judgment. They must foster a culture where AI is seen as a partner, not a replacement.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into team dynamics offers immense potential, particularly when viewed through the lens of Tuckman's model. By reshaping each phase of team development, AI accelerates cohesion, streamlines communication, and enhances performance. However, success lies in balance—leveraging the strengths of AI while nurturing the human connections that make teams thrive. In the evolving world of project management, the most effective teams will be those that blend emotional intelligence with artificial intelligence.

Reference Literature

1. PMI. 2024. "Community-Led AI and Project Management Report."