To: FrankTelos@wsg.com
From: EdieAlberts@lambdex.org
Subject: Interview Follow-Up

Hi Frank,

Here's the list of team rules I told you I'd send. Below, I've listed all the ones which I've noticed lead to the most productive teams. Teams should review this list and decide together which five are the most important for their team. Please let them know that if they follow at least their chosen five, they will have a much better chance of success.

1. Team members help each other understand the important ideas during all team discussions.
2. The team talks about and agrees on the steps necessary to proceed with the investigation.
3. Team members work out their differences.
4. All team members contribute equally.
5. Team members offer each other a chance to talk during each discussion.
6. Active listening is used during all team-project discussions.
7. The team makes decisions fairly, after everyone has spoken.
8. Team members review each other's work and provide feedback to help improve the project.
9. Team members learn from each other.
10. The team completes its work on time.

My favorite rule, which I offer to all teams as a special extra, is:

Any team member may ask for guidance from a consultant or teacher when the team is having difficulty following a team rule.

Footnote: The individuals and corporations in this interview are fictitious. Any relationship to organizations or persons, past or present, is strictly coincidental.