Atlassian Team Working Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide
A team working agreement, sometimes referred to as a team charter or team contract, is an essential tool for any team to function at their highest potential. An agreement sets the expectations for how team members will interact with each other, define how they will work together towards a common goal or objective, and outline the shared values and principles that will guide them through the project.
Atlassian, a leading provider of collaboration tools for teams, has developed an effective working agreement framework that can be used as a framework for teams of all sizes and industry sectors.
Here is a comprehensive guide to creating an Atlassian team working agreement to help your team build a strong foundation for productivity, collaboration, and success.
1. Identify the purpose of the agreement
Before drafting the agreement, it’s essential to establish the purpose of the agreement. What is the main goal or objective of the agreement? Are there any specific areas of conflict or concern that need to be addressed? What do you hope to achieve by having a team working agreement in place?
2. Define the team’s goals and objectives
Once you’ve established the purpose of the agreement, it’s time to determine the team’s overarching goals and objectives. This can include both short-term and long-term goals and should be aligned with the overall mission and vision of the organization.
3. Define roles and responsibilities
The team’s working agreement should define each team members’ roles and responsibilities. This includes specific tasks and deliverables each team member will be responsible for and any dependencies that need to be considered.
4. Define communication protocols
Effective communication is critical to a team’s success. A working agreement should outline how team members will communicate with each other, including the tools and mediums they will use (email, instant messenger, video conferencing, etc.), the frequency of communication, and the expectations for response times.
5. Define decision-making processes
Team members should be clear on how decisions will be made. This includes outlining the decision-making process, who will be involved in the decision-making process, how decisions will be communicated, and the preferred timeframe for decision-making.
6. Define conflict resolution processes
Inevitably, conflicts may arise during the course of the project. The working agreement should define how conflicts will be addressed and resolved, including the steps involved in the conflict resolution process, who will be involved in the resolution process, and what the timeline for resolution will be.
7. Define the shared values and principles
The working agreement should outline the shared values and principles that will guide the team throughout the project. This includes trust, respect, honesty, and transparency.
8. Review and revise as necessary
A team working agreement is a living document and should be reviewed and revised as necessary. This ensures that the agreement remains relevant to the team’s needs and objectives and is a tool that can help the team to stay on track.
In conclusion, an Atlassian team working agreement is a vital tool for any team looking to set clear expectations and guidelines for working together successfully. By following the eight steps outlined in this guide, your team can build a strong foundation for productivity, collaboration, and success.