1. Trust – this is one of the most often repeated keywords repeated in an organization, but it can be difficult at times. I believe this is the single most important factor that makes or breaks teamwork. It helps to remind oneself that “Basically people are good”. Only trust can grow further trust.

2. Situations are not people – Just because a situation sucks, doesn’t mean that the people involved do. It is very easy and tempting to judge people based on their percieved stand on a particular issue or situation, but a mature person needs to remind himself that the person involved is not characterized by that particular situation. In many cases, people may represent their team policies or processes or something else that may be established, and it may need correction. That does not mean that the person is at fault – he or she is merely representing something else, and there is probably a lot more to that person than is apparent from any one situation.

3. Keep reviewing yourself – I found that sometimes it is very easy to fall into a negative and pessimistic attitude without realizing it. What works best for me is to keep asking myself, “Will I hire someone who has this attitude?”, “Is this what the company is paying me for?” and most of all, “Is this what I am made of?”. The important thing is to answer these questions honestly. It is a very fine line between pessimism and realism.

4. Be frank without being rude – I dont know about you, but I would rather have someone point out my mistakes to me with respect, than go and tell someone else about my mistakes. When you point out my mistake to my face, that says several things. One, that you trust that I have the intelligence to understand what you are saying. Two, that you trust my character and integrity to such an extent that you think I will make an honest judgment about myself and make corrections to myself if necessary. Three, your real and genuine intention is to work with me, and not to put me down. When you trust me so much, of course I will trust you too.