After watching enough survival situations go bad because of drama, I've decided to try and help out so your last and only friends don't end up enemies. There are a few things that can make or break an effective group when it comes to encountering survivors or just interacting within camp.

The Seven Head Dragon effect: This is what I call the problem that seems to be one of the most major and frequent. When other survivors approach a group, they are quick to defend themselves and expect hostility. (Which is expected, I wouldn't want anyone not trying to do this.) Though what it normally looks like is seven hostile men and women all talking at once and starting fights that should not exist. When too many survivors are making negotiations at one time, things will most likely go sour real quick. Leadership is the only quick fix, and it can be established very easily.
How to become a leader or valuable member: When your group is formed, this should be a day one priority. If you believe yourself, up to the challenge and cool headed enough go ahead and take the initiative. Confrontations are extremely smoother when only two people are talking. The one doing the talking shouldn't be the one who is completely biased, short tempered or easily offended. Leaders are able to be accepting and democratic, but still imposing. Do not tell people you should be their leader because you are the best at these things, ask them to accept you because you believe yourself capable. Leaderships and dictatorships are NOT the same.

As a member of a surviving group, when someone asks to be your leader or head negotiator, imagine them in possible situations. Is that person modest enough to avoid conflict and hardy enough to defend you during hostility. Though when a person comes out with this request, and they seem socially apt, you should probably guess them to be a good leader in the first place, it takes a lot of initiative to shoot for that position and proclaim it to the entire group. Even though your leader may be great at his position, you have to be at yours. Creating hostilities between other survivors is against your best interest. You yourself must be humble and apologetic, or at least politely honest. This will keep you fight-free.

Adding members: Many survivors that wish to join you may have very useful skills. Skills are almost as valuable as water in this world. Some rules should be set up for accepting new persons. Here is an example of my plan.

Around my place of living there would be many signs stating that no one is allowed, especially cars, something that would show we have weapons and would quickly kill you for driving on our street. Though it wouldn't be completely discouraging. There would be a sign stating that survivors that wish to gain entrance would have to stay at a small cabin of a sort not too far away for a night. In the morning they are to raise a flag. Then some of our scouts would retrieve them and bring them to the main camp for admission. (all to avoid being found by zombies of course)

Once the prospective member arrives, they will be told the rules. You should have established rules within your camp and any worth while prospect will accept them. Here are mine.

1. No one leaves camp grounds unless given permission and when ordered to stay indoors, there will be no complaints.
2. If you have any morality or rule base that restricts you from things such as killing, eating meat, hunting, stealing from the dead or treating every human equally, you cannot stay. (ex devout Christians, vegetarians, pacifists, racists)
3. If you are in good shape, you will be expected to take up arms to defend our fellow survivors and follow all orders.
4. If you are not in good shape, you will make yourself that way, unless handicapped.
5. If you have a specialized skill, you may be exempt from combat or armed forces.
6. The current mating law prohibits procreation.
7. If you have a child, they could be subject to combat based programs, all of witch will only rely on natural ability, not performance enhancing drugs or medicinal techniques of any kind.
8. Any persons not apt mentally to a natural standard or are completely immobile will not be allowed to be housed or feed by our camp.

Some rules maybe harsh but in this situation there isn't much that doesn't follow the same suit. If you plan on being your group's leader, these are all things you really need to focus on. When I think of these things I usually am on walks or just talking to friends, use your noodle. 4laugh

-JD