Theory: Group Theory and Margin Project Evolution

The Early Margin Maturity Model (M3) is similar to a theory of group development proposed in the 1960s.

In my previous post, I speculated on the maturation of margin initiatives and identified several key stages. Upon further reflection, I realized I had seen this before as a group development theory. The theory postulated by Tuckman in 1965 and cited extensively has five stages:

1. Forming
2. Storming
3. Norming
4. Performing
5. Adjourning

The constructs are very similar, but the application in the M3 is broader. The Forming/Storming/Norming/Performing concept deals specifically with group orientation, development, and performance whereas the M3 includes elements of business startup/entrepreneur models that focus on activity and objectives. In addition, the group development theory looks at a group evolving with a steady number of participants while within the M3 the team may start with only 1-2 people and grow significantly as the effort matures.

Still, this theory has practical application in managing teams in the margin as you guide them through the M3 process. In the early stages of a new initiative the team you put together may be new contacts within the organization. Traditional managers will chafe against new ad hoc tactics. In the high-risk environment, stakeholders will seek to push their own agendas. Margin managers must expertly address concerns, bring cohesion, resolve conflicts, secure commitments, and manage responses to failure and setbacks.

As the initiative matures, relationships grow stronger. Some benefits are realized and team members share a common bond in creating something new. Stakeholders require less prodding to contribute to the project's objectives. Communication becomes easier. Managers in these later stages of a margin initiative must lead the way in identifying lessons learned and applying them to improve team performance. They must help the team identify and celebrate successes, refine roles and responsibilities, and tighten the group's understanding of the mission.

The following provides a crosswalk between Tuckman's group theory and the M3.

1. Idea - Early Forming
   
2. Test - Forming
   
3. Ramp-up - Storming to Early Norming
   
4. Codify - Norming and Performing
   
5. Inculcation - Performing (and Adjourning via transitioning responsibilities)
   

(For more on Tuckman's group theory see: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/tuckman.htm)