When we work as a team, we usually work for the same goal(s). There will be times when we might stray away from the goals that were originally specified and we will not realize it. By developing a shared framework we can help ensure that we are all (still) working towards the same goals.

With open discussions, patience and a shared fact base (mental model and vocabulary) we can deal with conflicts internally (within the team) and develop a shared understanding of the key issues.

One major issue of working with a team is accountability, as many forget their individual accountability and it becomes unclear where the accountability lies (does it lie with the individual, or a team as a whole?). This is probably because the lines of individual accountability and the shared sense of purpose become unclear because of the focus and emphasis on the “shared” attitude towards everything and it is important to acknowledge the difference and maintain the separation. Clarifying roles, responsibility, shared goals and results upfront with open discussions and debate will help resolve accountability issues in advance. We might need to revisit and re clarify these elements as they might evolve over time due to changing circumstances and new opportunities. Having a shared and clear understanding of planning and reporting can help accomplish all these tasks (involved with developing a shared framework).

[Source: Moving from the Heroic to the everyday: Hopkins, Couture, Moore]