During which stage of team development is there a high dependence on the leader for direction?

The stage of team development characterized by a high dependence on the leader for direction is the forming stage. During this initial phase, team members are getting to know each other and are often unsure about their roles and responsibilities within the group. As a result, they rely heavily on the leader for guidance on tasks and behaviors. The leader plays a critical role in shaping the team's direction, clarifying objectives, and establishing a foundation for collaboration.

In the forming stage, individuals may experience varying levels of anxiety and uncertainty as they try to figure out the group's dynamics. The dependence on the leader helps to mitigate those feelings as the leader fosters an environment of trust and clarity. Leadership at this point is essential for setting the tone and initially guiding team members toward forming a cohesive group.

As the team progresses to the other stages—storming, norming, and performing—the reliance on the leader generally decreases as team members grow more independent and capable of addressing conflicts, developing norms, and executing tasks collaboratively.