How to deal with unwelcoming Teammates

[JamesCH95]

Without specifics as to why one team member doesn't like the other it's hard to make a solid suggestion.

However, I will point this out: sometimes the team needs the student, and other times the student needs the team.

I have watched annoying, aggravating, nearly intolerable students turn into friendly, productive, great team members. Sometimes it happens quickly, other times it takes years, but I virtually always see improvements in students who stick with it. This is why we, on 95, make an effort to bond as a team and be as inclusive as possible. We are a very small team (about 10 active students this year) so we can't afford conflict.

I strongly believe in treating students like adult professionals, and this includes working together effectively despite personal differences.

Sometimes I will team two or more students who don't always get along to work on a project. Usually this helps the students get over their differences because they realize they're working towards a common goal and they have to work together to get there. If it doesn't, they sit down with a coach and talk out how to deal with the situation. Communication is key to solving these sorts of issues, not separation.