Decision · intermediate · 15 min

Team Working Norms Agreement

A brief exercise to establish a shared understanding of how the team will work together during the sprint. This helps create a positive and productive environment.

What participants gain

  • Participants will be able to contribute to the development of team working norms.
  • Participants will be able to understand and apply the agreed-upon team working norms.
  • Participants will be able to hold each other accountable for following the norms.

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or flip chart
  • Markers
  • Post-it notes
  • Timer
  • Example team working norms

How to run Team Working Norms Agreement, step by step

  1. Introduce the purpose of the team working norms agreement exercise.
  2. Explain the importance of establishing clear norms for team collaboration.
  3. Brainstorm potential team working norms, writing each idea on a separate post-it note.
  4. Group similar ideas and discuss their relevance and feasibility.
  5. Refine the norms to be clear, concise, and actionable.
  6. Prioritize the norms and agree on the final set of norms for the sprint.
  7. Document the team working norms and share them with the team.
  8. Make the norms visible throughout the sprint (e.g., posted on a physical or virtual Kanban board).

Facilitator tips

  • Focus on practical and actionable norms that can be easily implemented.
  • Encourage the team to own the norms and hold each other accountable.
  • Regularly review and adjust the norms as needed.

Common challenges

  • Lack of participation - Encourage all team members to contribute their ideas and perspectives.
  • Conflicting opinions - Facilitate a discussion to find common ground and reach a consensus.
  • Norms are not followed - Regularly remind the team of the norms and address any violations promptly.

Running it virtually

Use a shared document or whiteboard tool to collaboratively create and refine the team working norms. Encourage participants to use the chat function for suggestions and feedback.

Expected results

A set of agreed-upon team working norms that will guide the team's behavior and interactions during the sprint. This will contribute to a more positive and productive working environment.

Build a session around Team Working Norms Agreement

METODIC drops Team Working Norms Agreement into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

Try METODIC free