Collaborating with someone you haven’t met before can be awkward. You may feel inclined to simply introduce yourself and “get to work.” But before you dive into your joint project, spend some time getting to know each other better, so you can work together more effectively. (An hour is usually enough.) Here are some questions to guide that conversation:
- What are our goals and process for this project?
- Who will do what, and by when?
- What are our individual working styles, strengths, and weaknesses?
- When will we give each other feedback?
- What do we need from each other to do our best work?
Asking and answering these questions will increase your efficiency, transparency, and chances of success. And it’ll also ensure that you and your new partner have a healthy, positive working relationship… that might even evolve into a friendship.
This tip is adapted from “Collaborating with Someone You Don’t Really Know,” by Rebecca Zucker