Agile Mindset for Manufacturers: Working Agreement

The Action Engineering team embraces an Agile mindset & Scrum practices in our work.
In our Agile articles, we share tips & coaching opportunities that work well for us. 

This week we wanted to touch on the team working agreement. When forming a new Agile team, it takes some time to develop optimal productivity flow. In Tuckman’s stages of group development, a team must adapt through several phases before they find their “groove.” Creating a working agreement can make the team aware of ground rules – both positive and negative – to allow everyone to achieve the common team goals! We have a standard working agreement that can be used for on-site meetings, trainings, etc.

TEAM WORKING AGREEMENT

• Involve the team in the creation so it doesn’t feel like the rules are imposed by others.
• Update it frequently to allow the working agreement to grow and change as the team does.
• Keep it visible. This is a bit trickier since most of us work remotely, so pull it up at the start of meetings, or create a central location to store it.
• Keep it short. It’s easier to remember the agreement when it’s short and sweet.

At Action Engineering, we start with the below team working agreement and then customize it to fit the needs of the team. When we start off training or working meetings, we pull up the team working agreement and then spend the first five minutes discussing any additions, subtractions or edits.

1. Be open. Keep an open mind to be receptive to new ideas and ways of thinking.
2. Be engaged. Keep distractions to a minimum and participate fully.
3. Be active. Everyone has an equal voice and valuable contribution.
4. Be present. We start and end on time, have an agenda, and take regular breaks.
5. Be a team player. We work as a team to make a commitment and deliver on it.
6. Be respectful. We value all opinions. Differences of opinions are natural and useful.
7. Be courageous. Don’t be afraid to share new ideas or tackle tough problems.
8. Be honest. We give feedback, we receive feedback and we will act on feedback.
9. Be creative. Think creatively to solve problems.
10. Be proud of your work. We celebrate our achievements, no matter the size.

Do you think your team is stuck in the storming phase, or is everything humming right along in the performing phase? How do you think a team working agreement would enhance your team collaboration?

Want to chat with us about how your team is practicing Agile in your MBE journey? Send us a message!