What does the Sustainment stage in Team Building refer to?

The Sustainment stage in Team Building is focused on maintaining team performance and cohesion. This phase is critical as it ensures that the initial energy and motivation established during the earlier stages of team development—such as forming and norming—are preserved over time. In this stage, leaders and members must actively work to keep the team engaged, address any interpersonal conflicts, reinforce shared goals, and continue to develop trust amongst team members. This fosters a productive environment where the team can sustain high performance and adapt to any challenges that may arise. Ultimately, the Sustainment stage is about the long-term health and success of the team, ensuring that the group remains effective and cohesive in pursuit of its objectives.