Photo by Duy Pham
What Are Working Agreements?
Working agreements are a set of shared norms that a team creates together and agrees to follow. These aren’t about the technical aspects of work—they’re about how we, as human beings, interact with each other to foster a productive, respectful, and collaborative environment.
A few examples from teams I’ve worked with include:
- Practice empathy.
- Listen actively and don’t interrupt.
- Arrive on time to meetings.
- Use Slack for primary communication.
- Make time for fun and connection.
Each of these agreements may seem simple, but their impact on team cohesion is profound.
Why Do Working Agreements Matter?
Think about the best team you’ve ever been a part of. Chances are, there were some unspoken rules that everyone naturally followed, which made things run smoothly. Now, think about a team that struggled. What was missing? Often, it’s a lack of clarity around expectations for behavior, leading to misunderstandings and inefficiency.
Working agreements bring these unspoken rules to the surface, making them explicit and agreed upon by everyone. By clearly defining how team members will collaborate and communicate, you create a shared vision of what a high-functioning team looks like. This is more than just an exercise—it’s the foundation of trust, respect, and effective teamwork.
When facilitated well, working agreement sessions can be lively and energizing, with team members sharing their insights, airing differing perspectives, and resolving potential conflicts before they turn into bigger issues. It’s a proactive way to ensure that everyone is on the same page from the start, leading to smoother collaboration and a more positive team culture.
How Agile Learning Labs Can Help
At Agile Learning Labs, we’ve perfected the art of facilitating engaging and impactful working agreement sessions. Our approach is designed to include input from every team member, ensuring everyone has a voice and that the final agreements truly reflect the team’s collective vision. As an unbiased, outside facilitator, we can help navigate the natural tensions that arise and guide the group toward a set of agreements that are practical, meaningful, and actionable.
More than just setting expectations, we help teams build the foundation for long-term success by defining clear next steps for upholding and evolving their agreements as the team grows and changes.
Want to take the first step toward transforming your team dynamics? Let’s talk.
Contact us today to learn how Agile Learning Labs can help your team thrive through the power of working agreements.