Importance of Early Interactions

It is important that the team function well from the beginning. Successful interaction at the outset sets the stage for successful collaboration. Early interactions between team members should strive for diverse outcomes:

· Developing common understandings of key concepts, often by developing a new ‘pidgin’ vocabulary see [See Interdisciplinary Communication]

· Appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of each other’s theories and methods

· Likewise coming to grips with different epistemological, ethical, ideological, and other points of view grounded in disciplinary perspectives. [This was also addressed in Interdisciplinary Communication]

· Addressing group dynamics, leadership issues, membership issues, time management, information management, etc.