Stage IV: Transforming ("Adjourning")

When the purpose of the group has been achieved, or if the time for the group has expired, the group is faced with transforming. Transforming can take one of two paths: Redefinition: establishment of a new purpose and/or structure; or Disengagement, Termination, or Death. The group must decide on its future or it will proceed down a frustrating, unfulfilling path. The natural tendency for any group that has successfully achieved a full cycle is to attempt to remain together in some form in the future. The shared experience with all of its pain and joy, its meaning and insight-bonds the members of the group together.

When the purpose has changed or the time has elapsed, however, the group must disengage. Not uncommonly, groups will attempt to define ways of retaining contact after separation through letters or planned reunions in an effort to escape the pain of disengagement. But failure to disengage, to recognize that the life of the group, as its members have experienced it, has come to an end, will only lead to a hollow, unfinished feeling in the future. Even if the members were to remain in contact, or if a reunion were to occur (which seldom happens), the experience will never be the same, as the contexts of each of the members will have changed. So as the person must face the inevitability of leaving this life, members must realize that groups too must die. But if nourished, the spirit or experiences can live on.