Values

Unstated values can guide a group or team right into the abyss. So many times we have unspoken expectations and people violate those without knowing and then it becomes personal. The thought is that they should know. I serve on a team where timeliness means respect and it was an unspoken value. A new person who is less time conscious joins the team and because the value is unspoken is disrespecting people without knowing it each time he or she is late. As soon as the new member learns that it's not about time but about respecting one another then the issue is resolved or at least the platform to discuss it is developed. Stating your teams values is essential without stating them you are setting eachother up to fail.