The Distinction Between Coming Together and Holding Together
Introduction
When it comes to relationships, interpersonal communication, and teamwork, there are two important concepts that are frequently discussed: “coming together” and “holding together.” They are terms used to describe the different stages of the group development process. Understanding the difference between coming together and holding together can aid in creating thriving relationships, preserving teamwork, and achieving common objectives.
Coming Together
“Coming together” is the first phase of the group development process. This is where individuals come together with the goal of achieving a common objective. During this stage, the group members frequently evaluate each other and whether they should stay invested in the group (J. Bruce & Tuckman, 2004). The group’s main purpose in this stage is to create an understanding of objectives and form preliminary relationships. Members are tentative and not entirely committed to the group’s goal. As each member establishes their roles, issues and possibilities for group outcomes emerge.
Holding Together
After the “coming together” phase, the group moves into the “holding together” phase. It’s during this stage that members establish strong relationships with each other and operate more effectively as a team. The group becomes more certain of the objectives ahead, and the roles of every individual in the group are established. Members are better able to take the project’s framework and target objectives comfortably. Therefore, in this phase, members are aware of their individual tasks and their importance to the team. This phase is important because it sets the tone for the success of the group in achieving their objectives. Essentially, holding together as a team enables you to realize your potential and leverage everyone’s strengths to achieve collaborative objectives.
Conclusion
In summary, the difference between coming together and holding together is crucial to understanding the group development process. During the “coming together” phase, members are evaluating each other and creating preliminary relationships to establish the objectives behind the group. Subsequently, the “holding together” stage begins, focusing on establishing strong relationships, and operating more effectively as a group. To build and sustain thriving relationships and teamwork, it’s necessary to work through these phases, starting with establishing a collective goal before moving onto presenting feelings and understanding responsibilities. Therefore, understanding the difference between these two stages is essential for facilitating productive conversations and effective team communication. By recognizing the differences between the two phrases, teams can avoid potential obstacles and work more efficiently towards achieving their goals.
Table difference between coming together and holding together
| Coming Together | Holding Together |
|---|---|
| Occurs when individuals or groups with different backgrounds, beliefs, or cultures come together to form a team, community, or organization. | Occurs when individuals or groups with similar backgrounds, beliefs, or cultures come together to form a team, community, or organization. |
| Integrates different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to achieve a common goal. | Reinforces existing perspectives, ideas, and experiences to maintain a common goal. |
| Requires open-mindedness, tolerance, and respect for diversity. | Requires loyalty, consistency, and conformity to shared values and norms. |
| May involve conflict, negotiation, or compromise to resolve differences and build trust. | May involve conformity, compliance, or enforcement to maintain unity and stability. |
| Can generate innovation, creativity, and synergy from the exchange of ideas and skills. | Can generate consistency, reliability, and efficiency from the alignment of goals and strategies. |