Did you know that the word ‘team’ has Indo-European origins meaning ‘to pull’? These days we see a team as individuals ‘pulling together’. Though not always as easy as it sounds, working together can be made easier when you apply a few simple rules.

Here are my top five tips for boosting your team’s performance:

1. Hold meetings at least once a fortnight
Put the agenda in a shared folder so everyone can add input before the meeting. Use a formal process to keep the discussion on track.

2. Apply a ‘no gossip’ rule
If a colleague starts to complain about someone else, respond assertively by saying “I’d rather you take this up with [name] directly.”