Be Aware of Rough Spots

Here's how you know when things are going well: Everyone feels a sense of ownership. Meetings involve frank discussions of budget, Schedule, and problems. Team members respond promptly to action items. And there's a vibe, Fenno says, because everyone is excited by the ideas being discussed. But sometimes things don't go so smoothly. Our panel of experts identified some red Bags that let you know an intervention might be needed.

• The team gives you a plan without asking for your input.

• You're surprised by construction details.

• Contractors don't have the information they need to move forward.

• You make a phone call and it doesn't get returned.

• Team members aren't communicating with you or each other.

• You feel clueless or don't understand the conversations going on around you.

• Every other week you ask, "Why haven't we gotten this done yet?"