open · Team Building · 60–120 min · 3-20 people · medium energy

Team Agreement Canvas

The Team Agreement Canvas helps teams establish clear guidelines and expectations for how they will work together. It fosters a shared understanding, reduces conflict, and improves overall team effectiveness by explicitly defining agreements on communication, collaboration, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

When to use Team Agreement Canvas

Use this method at the beginning of a project or when a team is newly formed to establish ground rules and shared expectations. It's also useful when a team is experiencing conflict or communication breakdowns.

What it solves

Lack of shared understanding of team norms, frequent misunderstandings, unresolved conflicts, inconsistent communication.

How to run Team Agreement Canvas, step by step

  1. Introduce the Team Agreement Canvas and its purpose. (5 minutes)
  2. Individually, have each team member reflect on each section of the canvas (What we agree on, What we agree to disagree on, Our core values, How we communicate, How we collaborate, How we make decisions, How we navigate conflict, How we store and access data, Our core working hours, What motivates us). (20 minutes)
  3. Facilitate a discussion for each section, allowing team members to share their thoughts and ideas. (60 minutes)
  4. Document the agreed-upon guidelines and expectations for each section on the canvas. (20 minutes)
  5. Review the completed canvas with the team and ensure everyone is in agreement. (15 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Team Agreement Canvas template (printed or digital)
  • Markers or pens
  • Sticky notes (optional)
  • Whiteboard or digital collaboration tool (e.g., Miro, Mural)

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage open and honest communication during the discussion.
  • Ensure that all team members have an opportunity to contribute.
  • Focus on creating agreements that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Common pitfalls

  • Team members are hesitant to express their opinions or concerns. - Create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing.
  • The agreements are too vague or general to be useful. - Encourage the team to be specific and provide concrete examples.

Variations

  • Use Personal Collab Cards to understand individual needs and incorporate them into the Team Agreement.
  • Prioritize sections of the canvas based on the team's immediate needs.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a shared digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural for collaborative input and discussion.

What it produces

A completed Team Agreement Canvas document outlining team agreements on various aspects of collaboration.

Origin

Adapted from Management 3.0 — source

Build a session around Team Agreement Canvas

METODIC places Team Agreement Canvas inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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