Drexler/Sibbet Model of Team Performance – 7 Steps to an Effective Team

21 August 2025

The Drexler/Sibbet Team Performance Model is a tool that helps teams go through various stages of development and achieve a high level of effectiveness. Developed by Allan Drexler and David Sibbet, it consists of 7 steps that lead from building relationships to maintaining high performance.

📘 WHAT IS THE DREXLER/SIBBET MODEL?

It is a framework that describes how teams go through different phases: from initial orientation, through building trust, to continuous renewal of engagement. This model emphasizes that team effectiveness does not happen by chance - it requires conscious management at every stage.

🧭 1. ORIENTATION - WHO ARE WE AND WHY ARE WE HERE?

Team members get to know each other.
The team defines its identity and mission.
Key questions: What is our goal? What are the ground rules?

📌 Purpose: create a sense of belonging and understanding of the common direction.

🤝 2. TRUST - CAN WE RELY ON EACH OTHER?

Building trust among team members.
Open communication, honesty, support.
This phase involves readiness for collaboration and sharing ideas.

📌 Purpose: create a safe environment for teamwork.

🎯 3. CLARIFYING GOALS - WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

Clear definition of team goals and roles of each member.
Developing a common understanding of priorities.
Eliminating ambiguity and conflicting expectations.

📌 Purpose: focus the team's energy on common, understandable goals.

💪 4. ENGAGEMENT - IS EVERYONE ON BOARD?

Team members declare their commitment.
Acceptance of a common action plan.
Readiness for action and taking responsibility.

📌 Purpose: active participation and full mobilization of team resources.

🚀 5. HIGH PERFORMANCE - WE OPERATE LIKE A WELL-OILED MACHINE

The team achieves a synergistic level of collaboration.
Efficient decision-making and task execution.
Flexibility, creativity, and high-quality results.

📌 Purpose: maximize efficiency and achieve exceptional results.

📊 6. ASSESSMENT - ARE WE HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

Regular evaluation of actions and results.
Reflection on what works and what needs improvement.
Readiness to make changes.

📌 Purpose: continuous improvement and team learning.

🔄 7. RENEWAL - WHAT'S NEXT?

Renewing the team's commitment to future goals.
Adapting strategies to changing conditions.
Ending a project or starting a new initiative.

📌 Purpose: maintaining motivation and readiness for new challenges.

🧠 SUMMARY

The Drexler/Sibbet Model is a comprehensive tool that supports team development. Through seven clearly defined stages, it helps:

manage collaboration better,
build lasting trust,
increase engagement and performance,
systematically evaluate and adapt actions.

Regardless of the industry or team size, this model can significantly improve the quality of teamwork and lead to better results.

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