Teamwork Rules – Why They Matter¶
Working in a team is not just about writing code. It’s about agreeing on how you want to work together. These agreements are your teamwork rules. Think of them like the building rules when constructing a house: without them, things may stand for a while, but cracks will soon appear.
Info
Teamwork rules are the basic agreements about how you communicate, decide, meet, share tasks, and solve conflicts. They make teamwork smoother and prevent small problems from turning into big ones.
Communication¶
Clear communication is like clean code: if everyone can read it, mistakes are fewer.
Example
- Which tool do we use for everyday messages? (Discord, Teams, Messenger, etc.)
- Do we expect replies within hours or days?
- Do we use English or Hungarian when coding comments?
Tip
Keep it one main channel. Too many channels = lost information.
Meetings¶
Meetings are the “sync points” of teamwork. Without them, people drift apart.
Example
- Will we meet online or in person?
- Do we meet every week or only before deadlines?
- How long should meetings last (30 minutes max vs. unlimited)?
Danger
No meetings = chaos. Too many meetings = burnout. Aim for balance.
Decision-making¶
Teams need a method to decide. Otherwise, discussions become endless.
Example
- Do we vote, or does one person (leader) decide?
- Do we try consensus (everyone agrees), or is majority enough?
- What happens if the team can’t agree at all?
Tip
Decide the decision method before the first real conflict.
Roles & Responsibilities¶
Every project is like a company: someone handles design, someone tests, someone keeps track of deadlines. Without clear roles, tasks fall between chairs.
Example
- Who merges pull requests?
- Who keeps track of the Kanban board?
- Who makes sure documentation isn’t forgotten?
Info
Roles don’t have to be permanent. Rotate them if you want everyone to try different things.
Conflict Handling¶
Conflicts are normal. Ignoring them is like ignoring bugs: they don’t vanish, they grow.
Example
- What if two people want the same task?
- What if someone’s work is always late?
- What if one person criticizes but never helps?
Tip
Agree on a first step (private chat, then group talk, then tutor if needed).
Wrap-up¶
Teamwork rules are not bureaucracy. They are the table legs that keep your project standing. Without them, even good code collapses under miscommunication, missed deadlines, and silent conflicts. With them, you save energy, avoid drama, and actually finish what you planned.