Final answer:
Opting to first clarify general goals is important for aligning the team and avoiding future conflicts and costs associated with lack of clarity, despite the immediate appeal of establishing ground rules and tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Confronted with a team at a crossroads over whether to discuss the general goals of the project or to jump into establishing team ground rules and making assignments, it's essential to weigh the potential outcomes and processes.
On one hand, establishing general goals lays a foundational understanding of the project's direction, ensuring all members are aligned with its purpose which can reduce conformity costs in the long run. On the other hand, setting team ground rules and assigning tasks allows for immediate action and addresses the coordination challenges head-on, albeit possibly leading to transaction costs due to necessary renegotiations if disagreements on goals arise later. Considering the long-term ramifications and the necessity for clarity on mission and purpose before proceeding to specifics, I would advocate for clarifying the general goals first.
Whether in trivial decisions such as choosing a restaurant or in complex organizational projects, the process of defining goals and facilitating decision-making is a delicate but crucial aspect that shapes the final outcome and satisfaction of group members.