The fourth question on my list of things to talk about before going into business or starting a project together is: 

What is each person’s preferred work style, and do you need to adjust in order to meet the demands of your project? 

(See post #1 in this series here: https://leighchandler.com/questions-to-ask-before-you-work-together)

In any group, you’ll find many different ways to work.  Some people like to work alone, others together.  Some people want to pull an all-nighter at the last minute, others want to finish well ahead of time.  Some people like to get feedback along the way, while others prefer to present a finished project. Some people want to work in a busy, noisy room, others in total quiet.  The only thing we all have in common is that we all think our way is “normal.”

Understanding the preferences of the people you’re working with will help you work together.  And talking about this ahead of time may reveal areas where adjustments are needed.  It is better to have this conversation early than to have it on the eve of a deadline!