Effective Teamwork: Easier Said Than Done!
How Do We Get There from Here?
XLIX
Engineering Design Firm
The Team Contract
© 2013 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Team Contract
Practice decision-making by consensus
Consider
• Characteristics of high performing teams
• Team Assessment 1
• Dealing with stages of team development
• Individual preferences
• Project requirements
Develop a team contract or “ground rules”
• Expectations
• Consequences
Each member must sign and date the contract
• Signature indicates that you will adhere to the terms and conditions of the contract
• HOMEWORK: Have one team member submit the contract via
Moodle then bring a copy to class
XLIX
Engineering Design Firm
© 2013 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Decision-Making by Consensus
• All the team members find common ground
• Does not necessarily mean a unanimous vote
• Everyone has an opportunity to express their views and to hear the views of others
• Open sharing of ideas
• Often leads to better, more creative solutions, i.e. “synergy”
• It’s time consuming!
XLIX
Engineering Design Firm
© 2013 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Successful Teams Checklist
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Are effective communication channels in place?
Is the team committed to excellence?
Does everyone on the team know their specific role ?
Do the individuals on the team regularly operate out of their strengths as opposed to their weaknesses?
Do members understand – and share – the common goals and vision ?
Is there a detailed plan of action for success?
Do team members respect and appreciate one another?
Does the team take a break from time to time to just have fun together?
XLIX
Engineering Design Firm
© 2013 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Sample Team Contract
Google ‘Sample Team Contract’
XLIX
Engineering Design Firm
© 2013 ENGR/ETGR 1201