Team Norms Foundations Template

—

Description

Setting clear team norms is essential for fostering a productive and harmonious work environment. Norms provide a shared understanding of how the team communicates, makes decisions, resolves conflicts, and handles meetings, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Without these guidelines, teams often encounter miscommunications, inefficiencies, and unintentional conflicts that can slow progress and create frustration.

Why use this workshop?

By participating in this workshop, teams can expect to collaboratively build a foundation of practices that reflect their collective values and working preferences. This process ensures that each team member feels heard and has a say in how the group operates, leading to greater buy-in and commitment to the agreed-upon norms. The benefits of setting these norms together include smoother communication, clearer expectations, faster decision-making, and more respectful interactions during conflicts. Additionally, it fosters a sense of unity and accountability as the entire team takes ownership of the process. Over time, revisiting these norms ensures that the team can adapt to changing dynamics, further enhancing their efficiency, collaboration, and overall team culture.

Who is this for, and when should you use it?

This workshop is for any team that is struggling to find common ground within their team. If there is not a smooth workflow or a shared understanding of the way to work, this can inhibit our outcomes and outputs. Your team will build a set of norms that will guide you in the direction of better understanding, collaboration, and culture.

How to use this workshop

1. Use the workshop in the activities presentation mode

2. Review the introduction materials prior to the start of the workshop for alignment within the team and a shared understanding of the practices that will be discussed

3. Work through the activities as instructed throughout the workshop

4. Document action items and outcomes

5. Revisit this workshop as described for continued results

Valerie Katulka

Product Consultant@En Dash Consulting

I am a Product consultant with a passion for teamwork, collaboration, and all of the ways to interact with your team in an effective way! My templates will enhance your teams collaboration and communication allowing for faster delivery, a more efficient workflow, and a more enjoyable workplace!