The Drexler/Sibbet Team Performance Model is a framework developed by Allan Drexler and David Sibbet to describe the predictable stages that teams go through from formation to high performance. It is widely used in team development, especially in business and project environments.
Overview of the Seven Stages
The model is structured as a flow from team formation to sustained performance, divided into two main phases:
I. Creating the Team (Stages 1–3: Orientation to Trust Building)
- Orientation – Why am I here?
- Purpose, goals, and expectations are clarified.
- Members seek clarity about their role and direction.
- Trust Building – Who are you?
- Developing mutual respect and trust among team members.
- Transparency and psychological safety are key.
- Goal Clarification – What are we doing?
- Aligning on shared goals and defining the team’s vision and objectives.
- Clarifying success criteria.
II. Sustaining the Team (Stages 4–7: Commitment to Renewal)
- Commitment – How will we do it?
- Making agreements on roles, responsibilities, and processes.
- Ensuring buy-in from all team members.
- Implementation – Who does what, when, and where?
- Executing the plan with coordination and effective resource allocation.
- High Performance – Wow!
- Team functions with synergy, innovation, and high trust.
- Results exceed expectations.
- Renewal – Why continue?
- Reflecting on achievements, adapting to changes, and re-energizing.
- May lead to redefinition of goals or team disbanding.