FILL IN THE BLANK. The SOMA water filter team is operating in the ____ stage right now. All of the team members share the same goal, to produce an innovative water filter, and they are working together optimally to accomplish that goal. Many characteristics of work teams can also be seen in sports teams. Although sports teams-especially professional sports teams-often differ from work teams in important ways, they can be helpful for illustrating the key features that contribute to a team's success.