Recruiting

• Involve people at the earliest stage possible. When your collaborators have ownership of the ideas behind the work, they're not "helping you", they're working with you.
• Single people out for their talents. Let them know you want them in particular because you think they would be the best at whatever you'd like them to do.
• Ask them to be involved in a project, not to help you with your project.

• Honor people's contributions

  • Show that you appreciate their effort however you can
  • Honor their time and talents and don't waste it. Don't have everyone attend a meeting if they don't all have to be there.
  • Make agendas for meetings and be efficient. Use email and online polls.

• Make working together as easy and fun as possible

  • Meet over meals
  • Meet at a bar or restaurant
  • Buying someone a beer can go a long way
  • Meet at convenient times and places.
  • Avoid arbitrary deadlines.
  • Don't meet if you don't have to.
  • Don't be too serious - avoid committees.

• Always say thanks.