The Power of Working Agreements in Agile Teams

Working agreements, an often-underutilized tool in Agile methodologies, serve as a cornerstone for establishing effective team dynamics and enhancing collaboration. These agreements, essentially social contracts made explicit, outline how team members agree to interact, collaborate, and resolve conflicts. This blog post delves into the essence of working agreements, their importance, and how to craft one that truly benefits the team.

Understanding Working Agreements

What is a Working Agreement?

A working agreement is a set of guidelines and norms developed by a team to define how they work together. It goes beyond the basic expectations of professional conduct to include specific behaviors and processes that support the team’s unique environment. These agreements are applicable in various contexts, from long-standing teams to temporary workshops, and are crucial for both co-located and remote teams.

The Essence of Social Contracts

At its core, a working agreement is a type of social contract that has been explicitly stated and agreed upon by all team members. It’s about making the unwritten rules of team interaction visible and agreed upon, much like knowing whether to take off your shoes when entering someone’s home. In a professional setting, these agreements help new and existing team members understand expected behaviors and interactions.

Crafting an Effective Working Agreement

Visibility and Clarity

A great working agreement should be highly visible and easily accessible to all team members. Whether it’s displayed on a wall in a physical office or prominently featured in a digital workspace, the agreement should be in plain sight for everyone. Each item on the agreement should be distinct and understandable on its own, clearly stating the expected behaviors and outcomes.

Key Elements to Address

While working agreements will vary by team, there are common themes that many find beneficial to include:

• Coordination of Work: How the team will work together on a daily basis and manage the flow of tasks.
• Handling Blockers and Issues: Strategies for addressing impediments to progress.
• Conflict Resolution: Approaches for dealing with disagreements and ensuring they are constructive.
• Collaboration and Problem Solving: Preferences for how and when the team comes together to tackle challenges.
• Dealing with Pressure: Strategies for managing stress and high-pressure situations.
• Violations of the Agreement: How the team will address instances where the agreement is not followed.

Living Document

Importantly, a working agreement is a living document that should evolve as the team grows and changes. Regularly revisiting and revising the agreement ensures it remains relevant and continues to support the team’s way of working.

The Impact of a Well-Defined Working Agreement

The best working agreements are those that are actively used and referenced by the team. They become part of the team’s DNA, guiding daily interactions and decision-making processes. A well-crafted agreement fosters a culture of transparency, respect, and mutual accountability, enabling teams to navigate challenges more effectively and reach new heights of performance.

An example of a highly effective working agreement comes from a heavy engineering team in Aberdeen. They made their working agreement a central part of their practice, iterating on it regularly and using it to hold each other accountable. This not only improved their work but also strengthened their sense of camaraderie and team spirit.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Team Success

Working agreements are a fundamental tool for any Agile team, offering a framework for how team members interact and collaborate. By making these social contracts explicit, teams can create a more harmonious, efficient, and enjoyable work environment. As teams evolve, so too should their working agreements, adapting to new challenges and opportunities for growth.

For teams looking to enhance their Agile practices, consider exploring training and coaching opportunities that can provide further insights into developing effective working agreements and fostering high-performing teams. Resources such as http://www.pragmaticshift.com and http://www.scrumcoach.uk offer courses and coaching services to support teams on their Agile journey.