Problem Avoidance

Problems will arise, and it is important that modes of interaction are established that help in addressing and resolving them.

• Be open. Be honest with praise and be diplomatic and constructive with criticism. Do not let the good or the bad go without notice or remark.
• Communicate. Listen carefully; don't interrupt; ask for clarification, if you don't understand; feel free to disagree constructively, and be prepared to accept disagreement calmly.
• Get agreements, responsibilities, and task assignments clearly made and recorded; don't assume that your understanding is the same as someone else's unless it has been discussed explicitly and noted in writing (e.g. on a central bulleton-board file).
• Get to know each other. Discover the person behind the team member. Learn to accept likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, work habits and motivations. Learn to balance loads so that strengths are utilized and weaknesses avoided or corrected.
• Encourage participation. Make each member feel comfortable and willing to contribute to discussions and decisions.
• Compromise.
• Stay on schedule.
• Allocate sufficient time to do a good job.