The Importance of "Team"

I've been in many different roles over the years, from a one-man show to a part of a larger team. Both have their pro's and con's and both have things to get used to.

A team of developer can be a great thing, not because you can get more done with more people, but because of the built in support system that is possible with the right dynamics between the team members.

One thing to avoid is becoming to totalitarian about how things should go. Everybody has viable ideas about how to run things, everybody should be an even level player on a level playing field until the day comes that one is appointed a "lead" or "manager" of a team.

The benefits of a team with good dynamics, if you have a problem with something, there is somebody to talk to. I have found that simply having someone to talk to helps, even if they don't talk. I have taken another developer into a conference room with a white board, and explained the problem I was having, they'd sit and listen, and often times, while explaining it I talk myself into the answer without them saying anything, just sitting there listening. Team members likewise have done that to me, pulling me in and explaining stuff to me while they sort it out.

of course, other times the listener will speak, have a completely unclouded, unfrustrated view of the problem and come up with a quick solution, or at least thoughts that get you thinking in the right direction to find the solution.

It's a hugely powerful aspect of team. Learn to use it.