A team charter is a crucial component of team success, acting as a guiding document that outlines the team’s objectives, roles, and operational guidelines. In my role as an executive leadership coach, I’ve observed that teams with a clear and comprehensive charter exhibit enhanced clarity, collaboration, and accountability.

But what exactly goes into a successful team charter? Here are the components which I think will make a big difference.

Team Purpose and Vision

Your team charter should begin by defining the ‘why’ and ‘what’ of your team. The purpose outlines the team’s reason for existing, while the vision provides a clear and inspiring long-term goal. These elements offer direction and motivation, uniting the team under a shared objective.

Example: “Our purpose is to innovate sustainable solutions for urban living, and our vision is to become the leading provider of eco-friendly city infrastructure.”

Team Values

Team values are the principles guiding interactions and decisions. They could include:

Integrity: Always acting with honesty and transparency.Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and treating each other with dignity.Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in all endeavors.Collaboration: Working together and supporting one another to achieve common goals.

Tip: Regularly revisit and reinforce these values in team meetings and communications.

Team Expectations

Clearly defined expectations set the standard for behavior and performance. They transform your values into actionable behaviors, such as:

Communication: Regularly sharing updates and feedback.Accountability: Taking ownership of tasks and outcomes.Professionalism: Maintaining a respectful and positive attitude.Punctuality: Meeting deadlines and being timely in all commitments.

Practical Tip: Create a team agreement document that outlines these expectations and have each member sign it.

Team Collaboration Policy

Detail how your team will work together. This includes communication channels, meeting schedules, and decision-making processes. A collaboration policy ensures everyone is on the same page about how to interact and contribute effectively.

Example: “We will use Slack for daily communication, hold weekly video meetings on Mondays, and make decisions through a consensus-driven process.”

Team Goals

Outline SMART goals—specific, measurable objectives that align with the team’s vision. These goals should be challenging yet achievable, providing a clear target for the team’s efforts.

Example: “Increase our market share by 15% within the next year by launching two new products.”

Team Milestones

Break down your larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones. These checkpoints help track progress, offer opportunities for celebration, and allow for course corrections as needed.

Example: “Complete the prototype by Q2, initiate user testing by Q3, and launch the product by Q4.”

Team Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly define each team member’s role and responsibilities. This clarity prevents overlap, ensures accountability, and leverages individual strengths for the benefit of the team.

Example: “Jane will lead the marketing strategy, while John will oversee product development.”

A well-crafted team charter is a blueprint for success. It aligns the team around shared goals and sets the tone for how team members interact and operate.

Lead From Within: Creating a team charter is an exercise in unity and clarity. By carefully developing each component, you set your team on a path to cohesive success and collective achievement.

#1 N A T I O N A L  B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness

After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.

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Additional Reading you might enjoy:

7 Ways to Keep Your Team Happy and Motivated Overcome These Obstacles and Build an Effective Team 10 Ways to Make Your Team Feel Appreciated and Important This is How Successful Leaders Build Great Teams That Last 6 Powerful Habits of The Most Productive Teams 12 Stupid Things to Stop Saying to Your Team Immediately

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