Forming is the first stage of team development, where members come together and start to understand their roles and responsibilities. During this phase, individuals are often polite and cautious as they get to know each other. They may share their backgrounds and experiences, which helps build initial trust and rapport among the team members. As the team begins to form, they also establish ground rules and set goals for their collaboration. This stage is crucial because it lays the foundation for effective communication and teamwork. By fostering a positive environment, teams can move smoothly into the next stages of development, such as storming and norming.