open · Team Building · 60–90 min · 3-20 people · low energy

Initial Commitments

The Initial Commitments exercise establishes a foundation of shared accountability within new teams by explicitly defining expectations and responsibilities. This proactive approach helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters a culture of trust and open communication from the outset.

When to use Initial Commitments

Use this method when forming a new team, especially in hybrid or remote environments, to create a shared understanding of expectations and prevent future conflicts arising from unstated assumptions.

What it solves

Unstated expectations leading to conflict and mistrust; lack of shared accountability; difficulty in addressing performance issues.

How to run Initial Commitments, step by step

  1. Introduce the concept of Initial Commitments and swift trust. (5 minutes)
  2. Present the standard set of Initial Commitments (Delivering what I promise, Speaking up when things are unclear, Welcoming feedback from others, Practicing respectful dissent, Demonstrating personal improvement, Calling others into accountability, Recognizing and rewarding others). (10 minutes)
  3. Facilitate a team discussion to review each commitment, allowing for amendments and clarifications to suit the team's specific context. (45 minutes)
  4. Document the final agreed-upon commitments and ensure everyone has access to them. (15 minutes)
  5. Schedule a follow-up review after 60 days to assess the effectiveness of the commitments and make further adjustments. (Ongoing)

Materials needed

  • Printed or digital copy of the standard Initial Commitments
  • Whiteboard or shared document for amendments
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Emphasize that these commitments are a starting point and can be adapted over time.
  • Encourage open and honest discussion about each commitment.
  • Ensure that the commitments are specific and actionable.

Common pitfalls

  • Team members are hesitant to challenge or amend the initial commitments.
  • Commitments are too vague to be effectively enforced.
  • The team fails to revisit and update the commitments after the initial period.

Variations

  • Allow individuals to privately rank the importance of each commitment before the group discussion.
  • Incorporate a check-in during team meetings to discuss how well the team is upholding the commitments.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a shared document or online whiteboard to collaboratively review and amend the commitments.

What it produces

A team-agreed-upon list of Initial Commitments, potentially amended from the original template.

Origin

Adapted from NOBL Academy — source

Build a session around Initial Commitments

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