The Orientation Stage - Drexler Sibbet Model

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
Plato

Orientation is the beginning of a new team. It is a time of rich potential and tremendous energy. The task is to agree to sign up for the work, by answering this Question. Why am I here? Each members has to answer this question individually and the members have to answer it together. It is the time to sign up for the work at it broadest, say YES to the possibilities and identify where I can make a contribution.

If teams are a journey from freedom to constraint, and back to freedom again, this is the time where freedom reigns. As a team, the members have lots of possibilities and many choices to make. They need to define their purpose first and foremost by answering the question, What do we want to accomplish together? Clarity is essential in Orientation. The clearer the picture of the Purpose and the End Result, the easier it becomes to identify with it.  In doing this work, and becoming a team that understands what it is to do, the members also begin an exploration of what is needed, what obstacles and challenges they will face, and what skills and resources they will need.

Clarity of Purpose leads to Self Awareness and Team Awareness. The team, through its members is embarking on a journey, and making all the initial assessments necessary for a successful completion. This is a time of high disclosure and high learning. In this process team members start to create a team culture and a team identity. Norms (undiscussed ways of working together) form fast. At this point team members are creating norms for how they will work with each other. Sub grouping may be happening around work or other issues. Optimizing the sub groups may also be beginning. Team members begin to feel their “membership” on the team. Supportive and Defensive routines are being played out and settled.

All in all, this truly is a most auspicious time in the life of a team.  If all goes well, team members have a solid answer to the question, “Why am I here?” They have signed on to the team’s Purpose as they feel their Membership and establish their own Team Identity.

If not, the team has work to do.

“ There are two mistakes one can make along the path to truth…not going all the way, and not starting.”
The Buddha