Collaboration and teamwork are essential for achieving meaningful impact and addressing the various challenges that come with pursuing nonprofit missions. Your nonprofit likely works with diverse teams of staff, volunteers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders, and for these groups to work together effectively, it’s important to intentionally foster an environment of mutual respect and effective communication. Group agreements are a powerful tool that can help.
What Are Group Agreements?
Group agreements, also known as team norms or working agreements, are a set of agreed-upon guidelines that outline the behavior and expectations of individuals within a group setting. These agreements serve as a foundation for creating a positive and inclusive group dynamic. They provide a framework for how team members should interact, communicate, make decisions, and resolve conflicts.
Group agreements are not meant to be a rigid set of rules but rather a flexible and collaborative framework that reflects the collective values and aspirations of a team. Each team member should have the opportunity to contribute to the creation of group agreements so that teams feel a sense of ownership and a commitment to upholding them.
Why Should You Use Group Agreements at Your Nonprofit?
Group agreements can be beneficial in any situation that relies on collaboration and teamwork. They’re especially impactful in nonprofit work that involves a diverse range of stakeholders, which is really any work that aligns with our Shared Power Strategy TM philosophy. Here are just a few of the benefits your nonprofit might experience when utilizing group agreements.
Enhanced Communication and Collaboration
Group agreements promote open and respectful communication. When team members know how to communicate effectively, they are more likely to share ideas, concerns, and feedback, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Clear Expectations and Accountability
With group agreements in place, everyone is aware of the expectations regarding their roles and responsibilities. This fosters a sense of accountability, ensuring that each member understands their contribution to the team’s success.
Conflict Resolution and Trust Building
Group agreements include guidance for conflict resolution. When disagreements arise, the established framework that group agreements provide can help teams navigate discussions constructively and rebuild trust among team members.
Inclusion
Nonprofits work with a diverse range of stakeholders who each bring their unique lived experience to groups they participate in. Group agreements can help create spaces where everyone feels included, valued and heard. Ultimately, they may even allow your nonprofit to share more power to make decisions with the people and communities you serve.
Efficiency and Productivity
By setting guidelines for meetings and decision-making, group agreements help streamline processes and prevent unnecessary delays.
How to Create Group Agreements for Your Nonprofit: A Collaborative Process
Developing group agreements should be a collaborative process that involves all team members. This means not just staff and board members, but also any program/service users, volunteers, donors or other stakeholders who will be included in a team. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating effective group agreements for a nonprofit project or team:
Initiate the Conversation
Start by explaining the purpose and benefits of group agreements. Encourage team members to share their thoughts on what values and principles they believe are essential for a productive and respectful work environment.
Identify Core Values
As a group, brainstorm the core values that should guide your interactions and work processes. These values may be the same as your nonprofit’s overarching core values, or they might be different, depending on the nature of your group and the intention of its work.
Formulate Agreements
Next, translate the core values into actionable agreements. For example:
- “We will actively listen to one another during meetings without interrupting.”
- “We will acknowledge and appreciate diverse perspectives when making decisions.”
- “We will maintain confidentiality when discussing sensitive matters.”
Seek Consensus
Each agreement should be discussed, refined, and revised until there is consensus among all team members. Avoid adopting agreements through voting, as this may create a sense of winners and losers. Instead, aim to shape your group agreements based on constructive conversations and edits that address everyones’ feedback.
Put it in Writing
Once all agreements are finalized, document them in writing. Aim to use accessible and inclusive language, and ensure that the document outlining group agreements is easily accessible to all team members.
Review and Adapt Regularly
Group agreements are not set in stone. As the team grows and circumstances change, it’s crucial to review and adapt the agreements periodically to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.
How to Implement Group Agreements: Lead by Example
Implementing group agreements effectively requires leadership by example. Nonprofit leaders (or the leaders of any group using agreements) should embody the agreed-upon values and consistently reinforce the importance of adhering to the established guidelines. Here are some ways to do this:
Training and Orientation
Introduce new team members to the group agreements during onboarding (whether to your nonprofit’s staff or to a new team/group), and provide training on effective communication, conflict resolution, and active listening.
Regular Check-ins
Schedule regular check-ins to discuss how well the group agreements are being upheld and address any challenges or concerns that arise.
Celebrate Successes
Acknowledge and celebrate moments when team members exemplify the group agreements. This positive reinforcement reinforces the desired behaviors.
Address Non-Compliance
If a team member consistently disregards the group agreements, address the issue promptly and respectfully. Use it as an opportunity for growth and learning, reminding everyone of the collective commitment to a healthy team dynamic.
Nonprofit Group Agreement Examples
Ready to get started developing group agreements for your nonprofit team or project? Here are some examples to get your wheels turning.
Group Agreements for Respectful Communication and Feedback
Purpose: To foster a culture of open and respectful communication within the organization, where all team members feel heard and valued.
Agreements:
- We will actively listen to each other without interrupting.
- We will use “I” statements when sharing feedback or concerns.
- We will avoid making assumptions and seek clarification if needed.
- We will provide constructive feedback in a private and supportive manner.
- We will respect each other’s time and commitments during meetings.
Group Agreements for Equity and Inclusion
Purpose: To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our group’s work and decision-making processes.
Agreements:
- We will actively seek diverse perspectives when making decisions.
- We will acknowledge and address our biases to create an inclusive environment.
- We will respect and celebrate the unique backgrounds and lived/living experiences of all team members.
- We will work towards equitable access to opportunities and resources within the organization.
- We will continuously educate ourselves on issues related to equity and inclusion.
Group Agreement for Productive and Efficient Meetings
Purpose: To ensure that meetings are focused, purposeful, and inclusive, enabling productive discussions and decision-making.
Agreements:
- We will start and end meetings on time to respect everyone’s schedules.
- We will have a clear agenda for each meeting, distributed in advance.
- We will encourage active participation and ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak.
- We will avoid side conversations and distractions during meetings.
- We will follow up on action items and decisions made during meetings.
