Phase V: Leaving/Terminating

Individual Leaves

Symptoms
Interventions
Individual feels anger toward members or the team in general.
Praise the member for team accomplishments; wish members well in new endeavor.
Members deny impending departure because of disbelief and regret.
As a team, discuss interim situation; plan for replacement.
Team expresses wish for member to remain with the team.
Accept as a sign of a significant loss to team; regard as potential ghost for team to address in the future.
Team may regress to an earlier phase.
Determine the team’s developmental phase; proceed from there.
Individual may express happiness over leaving the team.
Accept that the member is happy and that the team has a shortage to address.
Team Terminates
Symptoms
Interventions
Some members withdraw; depression and sadness result.
Develop a team plan of action; develop a personal plan of action.
Members express team’s superiority
Celebrate and record the team’s accomplishments.
Express feelings as testimonials
Listen and encourage team members to express their feelings and plan for their future.
Affirm team membership as a valuable experience
Celebrate with an eye to the future.

©2000, Drinka, TJK and Clark, PG (2000) Health Care Teamwork: Interdsisciplinary Practice and Teaching. Westport CT, Auburn House. All rights reserved