Team Ground Rules

Ground rules are standards intended to help teams function effectively. The ground rules for a team comprise the following six components.

1. Treating every team member with respect by acknowledging the different thoughts and ideas without judging or negatively disrupting discussions (Solomon, 2017). This ground rule encourages collaboration and prevents conflicts among team members when allocating tasks or debating an issue.
2. Communicating openly to allow team members engage freely, express views and speak directly and honestly without bias (Teams and Leadership, 2016). Communication influences team performance by encouraging information sharing. This ground rule helps to define team goals, encourage seamless interactions and present expectations transparently.
3. Maintaining confidentiality to ensure team discussions and interactions are not disclosed to external parties (Solomon, 2017). This ground rule prevents team members from disclosing to other teams a disagreement or conflict during team debates or meetings. 
4. Equal participation in discussions by team members because all perspectives are valued. Team members are entitled to share their ideas through an all-inclusive approach that acknowledges the contribution of each member (Teams and Leadership, 2016). This ground rule ensures team members get equal opportunities to bring valuable experience and knowledge to the team.   
5. Showing up on time since lateness portrays disrespect to other team members. Team members should agree about how tasks are completed by creating schedules to guarantee effective time management. This ground rule ensures team meetings are more organized and team members are prepared to discuss the team agenda.
6. Listening to others and attacking or addressing the issues rather than people (Solomon, 2017). Team members should argue about ideas and propose constructive rather than destructive discussions. This ground rule prevents conflict and allows team members to engage without fear.