Which best describes the "storming" phase of group development in a task-oriented group?

The "storming" phase of group development is characterized by increased conflict and tension as group members begin to express their individual differences and challenge one another. In this context, a participant setting up roadblocks and questioning the task accomplishment reflects the natural dynamics of this phase, where disagreements and differing opinions emerge.

During storming, group members may start to confront each other over tasks, create obstacles, or express resistance to group decisions or leadership. This questioning can be a means of asserting oneself or clarifying roles and responsibilities within the group.

The other scenarios describe different group behaviors that do not align with the essence of the storming phase. For example, a smooth running group (first choice) indicates a level of cohesion that typically occurs in later stages, such as "norming." Requesting help from the leader for task clarity (third choice) suggests a lack of conflict and more support-oriented interactions, commonly found during the "forming" or "norming" phases. The leader feeling exhausted from incessant questions (fourth choice) could indicate frustration, but it doesn’t fully capture the conflict-based struggle that defines the storming phase.