At what stage does the team, rather than the leader, take responsibility for solving problems, confronting and correcting mistakes, and ensuring success?

A) Forming
B) Norming
C) Storming
D) Performing

Answer: B
Explanation: A) Incorrect. During forming, the team is faced with the need to become acquainted with its members, its purpose, and its boundaries. Relationships must be formed and trust established. Clarity of direction is needed from team leaders, and leaders take primary responsibility for any problem solving.
B) Correct. During norming, the team is faced with creating cohesion and unity, differentiating roles, identifying expectations for members, and enhancing commitment. This enhanced commitment and unity means that team members begin to value team goals more than their own personal goals. At this same time, the team takes primary responsibility for solving problems and correcting mistakes.
C) Incorrect. During storming, the team is faced with disagreements, counterdependence, and the need to manage conflict. Challenges include violations of team norms and expectations and overcoming groupthink. The team has already taken primary responsibility for problem solving (during the norming stage of team development), though the team members may relax their loyalty to the team during the storming period.
D) Incorrect. During performing, the team is faced with the need for continuous improvement, innovation, speed, and capitalizing on core competencies. The team has already taken primary responsibility for problem solving (during the norming stage of team development).