275. Team Norming - Establishing Etiquettes and Rules of the Road

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What if the real unlock for high performance isn’t a big idea… but a steady beat?

This 4-part mini-series is all about Incredible Teams, using the Tuckman Team Dynamics model as inspiration for creating or sustaining great teamwork.

In this episode, we explore the Norming stage of team development- the quiet but crucial phase where discipline, awareness and consistency turn ‘getting by’ into dependable progress. Norming isn’t about being bland or rigid; it’s about establishing the rules of the road so teamwork feels lighter, clearer and more predictable.

We discuss why clear standards define what good looks like, how shared awareness helps teams spot pressure points early, and why consistency is one of the greatest enablers of trust. Disagreements don’t disappear, but they resolve cleanly. Feedback feels safer because boundaries are explicit and repair is expected. Roles and handovers are understood, so absences don’t derail momentum.

To make norming practical, we introduce Richard Beckhard’s GRIP model,  a simple framework to align Goals, Roles, Interpersonal norms and Processes. Used well, GRIP reduces friction, speeds up onboarding and strengthens new or evolving partnerships. We share how co-creating norms and revisiting them regularly can prevent drift and protect team rhythm.

A steady and practical listen for anyone who’s moved through storming and wants to lock in the gains. Because when the rules of the road are clear, teams stop navigating each other and start moving forward together.