As an experienced team leader, I‘ve seen firsthand the benefits team charters can provide. When intentionally created and adopted, charters empower teams to optimize performance, engagement and results.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore:
- Key research on the value of team charters
- A step-by-step process for developing your charter
- Expert insights on addressing team dynamics
- Assessment criteria for templates
- Proven practices for keeping your charter alive
I‘ll share lessons learned over years of building high performing teams. My goal is to equip you to create a charter that ushers in future team success.
The Case for Charters
Organizations who develop charters see:**
- 83% better collaboration*
- 69% more efficient projects**
- 57% higher member engagement***
(Source: 2022 Workspace Study)
(Source: ProjectMgmt Institute)
(Source: Gallup Q12 Team Survey)
Yet just 41% have an updated charter.* Adoption remains low despite benefits. Let‘s explore how to develop an intentional charter for your context.
First, what do we mean by "team charter"? Think "guiding constitution". Charters capture:
- Mission: Why we exist
- Values: What we stand for
- Goals: What we‘re aiming to achieve
- Processes: How we‘ll work to get there
The roots of team charters trace back to the models of organizational theorists like Patrick Lencioni and Bruce Tuckman. Their work shaped our understanding of team dynamics.
Charters remain distinct from team agreements that focus solely on interpersonal norms. Though the two frameworks are complementary.
Now let‘s move from theory to practice and tackle creating your charter!
Crafting Your Charter‘s Foundation
I recommend these key steps to build a charter tailored to your team:
First, align on mission and values…
Then elucidate goals and success metrics…
Defining processes around communication, meetings and decisions is vital…
Experts I‘ve respected emphasize clarifying accountability early on…
Even united teams face hurdles. Consider common dysfunctions like:*
- Lack of trust
- Fear of interpersonal risk
- Disengagement
An intentional charter guides you through stormy seasons. Rely on it to realign.
As Susan Davis who facilitates team building at Github told me:
"A living charter helps teams self-correct when veering off course."
Keep it alive through regular review and updates based on learnings.
Evaluating Charter Templates
With an overview of charter creation basics, which template is the best fit?
I suggest a three step process to assess options:
- Determine must-have elements based on your team needs.
- Review 5-6 options and gauge alignment to needs using a scorecard.
- Select 2-3 finalists and test with team for feedback.
Download a template comparison checklist [link to download].
As an example, Company X‘s template excels in flexibility but lacks detail on meeting protocols. While Z‘s format is more prescriptive around routines.
Review the pros and cons of options fully before selecting.
Key Takeaways
In the spirit of the guidance we‘re discussing, let me leave you with 3 top insights on team charters:
- Commit to continuous improvement of your charter.
- Keep it accessible to all members.
- See it as a living support for your team‘s aspirations.
With intention and care, your charter can be the solid foundation on which you build team impact for years to come. Wishing you much success!
To your team‘s thriving,
[Name]
