Successful collaborations don't just happen. NIH has found that discussing expectations at the outset of a collaboration significantly improves the likelihood of success. Also check out these resources on enhancing research team performance and managing collaborative publications.
NIH Ombudsman Howard Gadlin summarized practical strategies on a recent visit to the University.
More Resources
Collaboration and Team Science: A Field Guide (pdf)
Welcome to the Lab: Example # 1 (pdf)
Welcome to the Lab: Example # 2 (pdf)
Managing Shared Collaborations (pdf)