The Tuckman stages describe the phases that teams go through as they develop and work together. These stages are forming, where team members get to know each other; storming, where conflicts and differences arise; norming, where the team starts to establish norms and work more cohesively; and performing, where the team functions effectively towards their goals. Finally, there is the adjourning stage, which occurs when the team completes its tasks and disbands. Understanding these stages helps teams navigate challenges and improve collaboration, ultimately leading to better outcomes in their projects and relationships.