The members of every corporate team and work group should develop particular ways of interacting with each other over time. Having an effective interpersonal communication among members and successful communication towards managers and employees outside the team are critical components in order for your team to function.

Also, team’s processes on decision making, work assignments, and holding members accountable determines their success. This is why they should not leave interaction to chance.

These guidelines, which we call team norms, can be developed during an early team meeting, with more norms being added as the team sees the need for additional guidelines. Here are the essentials that you should inculcate to your team.

All members are equal - Every team member’s opinion will be thoughtfully considered, and each member will keep all commitments by the agreed upon due date. They also agree to constantly assess whether team members are honoring their commitment to the team norms.

Members should respect each other – When it comes to team communication, all members should speak respectfully of each other and will not talk down to each other. They will also positively recognize and thank each other for team contributions.

Members should interact properly – Team members should listen without interrupting, hold no side or competing conversations, follow the rules for effective meetings, as well as attend and end those meetings on time. They should also always work from an agenda.

A team should be well-organized – Consider having a rotating leadership on a monthly basis, with a monthly team management meeting as well.

A team should know when to communicate with other employees – Team members should make certain they have agreement on what and when to communicate with other employees including managers. Complaints about team members should be addressed first in the team.

A team should solve problems together – Members should make decisions by consensus, but majority will rule if timely consensus is not reached. Conflicts should be resolved directly with the persons involved.