Working Agreements

The 'Working Agreements' game allows a team to collectively define working rules that promote collaboration and communication. It is particularly useful at the start of a team or when friction reveals a lack of consensus on working practices. This game engages participants in an open discussion about their expectations and desired behaviours within the team.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction

   10 min

   The facilitator explains the objective of the workshop: to collaboratively create working agreements that will facilitate collaboration and improve team effectiveness. They specify that these agreements should be realistic, measurable, and consensual. Participants are invited to reflect on what is important to them in a collaborative work environment.

   Tip — Use concrete examples of working agreements to illustrate what you expect from participants.

2. 2

   Individual Brainstorming

   10 min

   Each participant takes a few minutes to reflect and individually note the behaviours or practices they consider essential for the smooth functioning of the team. They can draw on past experiences or wishes for the future. The facilitator encourages everyone to be honest and to think of concrete elements.

   Tip — Provide sticky notes and pens so that everyone can freely jot down their ideas.

3. 3

   Group Sharing

   20 min

   Participants share their ideas with the group. The facilitator notes each suggestion on a visible board. It is important not to judge the ideas at this stage, but to welcome them all. Participants can ask questions to clarify the points raised.

   Tip — Encourage participants to group similar ideas to facilitate discussion.

4. 4

   Discussion and Prioritisation

   20 min

   The group discusses the shared ideas to understand their relevance and importance. The facilitator guides the discussion to help the team prioritise the most crucial agreements. Participants vote on the agreements they consider most essential, using points or stickers.

   Tip — Limit the number of final agreements to 5-7 to keep them manageable and memorable.

5. 5

   Formalisation of Agreements

   15 min

   The facilitator helps the group to clearly formulate each priority agreement. They ensure that each agreement is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Participants discuss the formulations until they reach a consensus.

   Tip — Read each agreement aloud to ensure it is clear and understandable to all.

6. 6

   Conclusion and Commitment

   10 min

   The facilitator thanks the participants for their contributions and emphasises the importance of adhering to the established agreements. Each team member expresses their commitment to follow these agreements. The facilitator suggests reviewing these agreements regularly to ensure they remain relevant.

   Tip — Take a photo of the finalised agreements to share with the team and display in the workspace.

Variants

• Use playing cards with examples of agreements to inspire participants.
• Conduct this workshop online using a virtual whiteboard to facilitate sharing and discussion.
• Add a step where participants share personal stories illustrating why certain agreements are important.