Foundational prompts for team charters

Creating a team charter is a key step in setting clear expectations, establishing roles, and ensuring alignment within a team. Here are some foundational prompts that can guide the development of a team charter:

1. Team Purpose and Mission

• What is the core mission of the team?

• What are the key goals we are working towards?

• Why does this team exist, and how does it align with the larger organizational goals?

2. Team Values and Culture

• What values are most important to our team’s culture?

• How do we want to communicate with each other (e.g., transparency, openness)?

• What behaviors or attitudes are essential for creating a positive team dynamic?

3. Roles and Responsibilities

• What are the specific roles within the team?

• Who is responsible for what tasks or deliverables?

• How will we ensure accountability for our roles?

4. Decision-Making Process

• How will decisions be made within the team?

• Will decisions be made by consensus, majority vote, or another method?

• What happens if there is a disagreement on a decision?

5. Communication Norms

• How often will we communicate as a team (meetings, check-ins, etc.)?

• What communication tools will we use (email, Slack, project management tools)?

• How will we ensure that everyone’s voice is heard?

6. Conflict Resolution

• How will we handle disagreements or conflicts?

• Who will mediate conflicts, if necessary?

• What is our approach to resolving conflicts constructively?

7. Goals and Milestones

• What are our short-term and long-term goals?

• How will we track and measure progress toward these goals?

• What key milestones will indicate we’re on the right path?

8. Resources and Support

• What resources do we need to achieve our goals (e.g., tools, budget, training)?

• How will we ensure the team has access to the necessary support?

• What kind of support can team members expect from leadership?

9. Team Development and Growth

• How will we encourage continuous learning and development within the team?

• Are there opportunities for skill-building or mentorship?

• How will we celebrate successes and individual achievements?

10. Review and Adaptation

• How often will we revisit and update the team charter?

• What process will we use to evaluate the effectiveness of the charter?

• How will we adjust the charter based on feedback or changes in the team’s work?

11. Commitment to Team Charter

• How will we ensure each team member is fully committed to the team’s values and mission?

• What steps will be taken if a team member is not adhering to the expectations outlined in the charter?

These prompts provide a structured way to outline the foundation of a team charter and can be adapted as necessary based on the team’s specific needs and goals.