February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Listen to your colleagues
Taking the initiative is good. Riding roughshod over the concerns or sensitivities of colleagues is not. Teams are put together to harness different people’s strengths — the whole purpose will be defeated if you don’t listen to what other team members are saying. If they are talking about their area of expertise either trust their judgment or make sure you have a good reason for disagreeing.
Expect high standards — of yourself and others
One of the warning signs that a team project may go wrong comes when slackness starts to creep in. This is especially dangerous on long-term projects. Personal resentments develop, or motivation slips, or the focus is gradually lost. But teams can work brilliantly when people are determined and keep their eyes on their goals. Always do your best. Others will follow your example.
Don’t gossip
Team projects are destroyed by enmity and backbiting more than anything else. The best course of action about gossip is simple: don’t do it.