Team Norms, Team Rules, Team Charter....

Whatever term you may apply, the principle is the same.  Teams function better when there are agreed upon expectations for behaviors.  In our MSLOC program, we utilize Team Charters.  These interactive, living documents represent our best attempt at ensuring a successful team work environment.  The charter includes our individual personality tendencies and preferences, personal and academic goals, and of course team goals.  We very clearly spell out expectations for communication, task completion, team reflection, meetings, etc.  The actual preparation of the document is a great way of getting issues out on the table and addressing them, before we find ourselves in the heat of whatever project we're working on.  So far, it's been a helpful exercise.

Here's an article from the Center for Creative Leadership about establishing team norms.  It's worth the read.