converge · Team Building · 60 min · 2-10 people · medium energy

AI Working Agreements

This method helps teams establish shared norms and guidelines for using AI tools effectively and responsibly. By co-creating these agreements, teams can increase AI adoption, improve productivity, and unlock transformational business value.

When to use AI Working Agreements

Use this method when your team is starting to integrate AI into their workflows or when you want to improve the existing use of AI. It's particularly helpful for aligning expectations, addressing concerns, and fostering a culture of responsible AI use.

What it solves

Lack of clarity on when and how to use AI, leading to inconsistent application, mistrust, and missed opportunities for leveraging AI's potential.

How to run AI Working Agreements, step by step

  1. Prep the Play (5 min) - Schedule a one-hour session and share the purpose: to co-create AI guidelines for effective, responsible, and collaborative use. Prepare a digital or physical whiteboard template.
  2. Set the Stage (15 min) - Share the session goals, expectations, and a pre-workshop survey to gauge the team's baseline confidence in using AI. Discuss AI opportunities and potential pitfalls. List current and desired AI use cases.
  3. Discuss and Co-create (40 min) - Guide the team through prompts: What do you need to feel confident and safe using AI? What are practical standards for responsible and effective AI use? Where can AI help (and not help) us? Use the answers to co-create AI working agreements.
  4. Finalize and Measure (5 min) - Assign tasks to complete any final refinements. Ask the team to complete a post-workshop survey to gauge progress.
  5. Share Out (5 min) - Summarize decisions in a shared workspace (e.g., Confluence) and share with the team and stakeholders. Set a quarterly reminder to revisit and update the agreements.

Materials needed

  • Video conferencing with screen sharing or meeting space
  • Digital or physical whiteboard
  • Markers
  • Sticky notes
  • Timer
  • AI tool (optional)

Facilitator tips

  • Adapt the whiteboard template to your team's specific needs and context.
  • Encourage open and honest discussion about concerns and expectations related to AI.

Common pitfalls

  • Agreements are too vague or generic to be useful. - Ensure agreements are specific, actionable, and relevant to the team's work.
  • Lack of follow-through on reviewing and updating the agreements. - Schedule regular reviews to keep the agreements current and relevant.

Variations

  • Async collaboration: Share the template and collect input asynchronously before a shorter sync session.
  • Start small: Try this Play for a single project team, then expand to the broader team.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a shared digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural for collaborative brainstorming and agreement documentation. Ensure remote participants have equal opportunity to contribute through chat and screen sharing.

What it produces

A documented set of AI working agreements outlining the team's shared understanding of responsible and effective AI use.

Origin

Adapted from Atlassian Plays — source

Build a session around AI Working Agreements

METODIC places AI Working Agreements inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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