In Part 1 of this series we explored the nature of team covenants, how they are different from team agreements or contracts, the critical importance of trust and the benefits they potentially bring to team members, team leaders and the organization itself. In Part 2 I outline steps to establish a team covenant that is fit for purpose and is owned by members and leaders alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steps to Establishing a Team Covenant<\/span> 2. Facilitator Explains Difference between Covenants, Agreements and Contracts<\/em> 3. Display, Review and Discuss Organization\u2019s DNA: Foundational Mission\/Purpose, Basic Beliefs, Core<\/em> 4. Other Values to Cover<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Voting on Values \u2013 Organization\u2019s & Transcultural<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Appoint Small Task Group<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Task Group Meets<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Presentation & Finalisation<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Final Word<\/span>
In my opinion, team covenants are best developed in workshop type meetings including the team leader and all team members. While generally the team leader would facilitate such meetings, \u00a0there may be times when this could best be undertaken by a team member with the relevant skills, or an external consultant. The number of workshops to be held would depend upon the time available to process each of the following steps. However, I would mainly recommend two whole of team meetings: the first to address steps 1 \u2013 6 and another for step 8. As you will see step 7 is undertaken by a small task group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Begin by introducing the subject of teams and team covenants:<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
(See explanation in Part 1 of this article)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Values, Motivational Vision.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
While team covenants will prove beneficial for members and leaders of all organizations, they are particularly valuable for teams in those groups and organizations that are formed around a shared cause, eg. environmental sustainability, social justice, faith formation. Cause-based groups usually comprise members who are driven primarily by a shared passion rather than\u00a0\u00a0 personal financial considerations. In such settings, a shared team covenant helps leaders and members work together to fulfil the organization\u2019s mission and vision in accordance with its beliefs and values without the potential distraction of members\u2019 unwise actions that might result in reputational damage. This can be especially true for voluntary groups that are particularly passionate about their cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n