HKSM
Performing stage
The culmination of team development where the group is tightly aligned and delivering at peak capacity. Members operate as skilled peers, collaborate smoothly, and consistently produce reliable, high-quality results with minimal oversight.
Key Points
- High cohesion and trust; collaboration feels seamless.
- Roles and processes are clear and stable, enabling consistent delivery.
- Leadership focuses on empowerment and removing impediments, not directing tasks.
- Team pursues continuous improvement and meets goals with predictable performance.
Example
During Sprint 8, a mature Scrum team consistently meets its forecasted velocity. Developers, testers, and designers swarm on work, pair as needed, and proactively resolve issues. The Scrum Master handles external blockers quickly, and the Product Owner only clarifies priorities because the team is largely self-managing. The Increment is delivered on time with minimal defects and the retrospective yields targeted, incremental improvements.
PMP Example Question
Which situation best represents a team in the performing stage?
- The team is newly assembled and roles are still unclear.
- Conflicts frequently arise as members test boundaries and authority.
- The team delivers consistently with little need for direction and continuously improves its process.
- The team is establishing norms and agreements to guide future collaboration.
Correct Answer: C — Team delivers consistently with high cohesion and autonomy
Explanation: Performing teams are highly cohesive, self-directed, and reliably productive, focusing on ongoing improvement rather than basic coordination or conflict resolution.
