What is characteristic of the working stage of group development?

The working stage of group development is characterized by feedback exchanged among group members. At this point, members have built enough trust and rapport to openly share their thoughts, feelings, and constructive criticism with one another. They are focused on the group's tasks and objectives and engage in deep discussions that promote personal growth and group cohesion.

During this stage, members actively participate in discussions, offering insights and perspectives, which leads to problem-solving and the exploration of complex issues. The ability to provide and receive feedback is crucial as it helps the group to refine its processes and improve established relationships. This level of interaction is essential for achieving the goals set by the group, as it encourages collaboration and strengthens the group dynamic.

In contrast, dependency on the leader typically characterizes the earlier stages of group development, where members look to the leader for guidance and decision-making. Conflict avoidance suggests a lack of open communication, which is not conducive to the working stage where issues can be addressed constructively. Superficial discussions also do not align with the working stage, as this is a time for deep engagement rather than surface-level interactions.