75+ Sample Team Charters

What Is a Team Charter?

It is a document that states and defines the resolute definition of the goal statement, desired output and target audience. Included as well are the different roles and responsibilities of each member of the group. This is a useful instrument in order for the task to be accomplished easier and faster. This will lay out the foundations in order for the overall success of the team.

Key Elements Included in the Team Charter

The context: The context can also be referred to as the purpose of the team. Basically, this will be the introductory paragraph. This will also state and explain the background as to why the team was created in the first place. What is the main purpose of forming this team? What will be the work they will be doing? The answer to these question will be your starting statement. This section will also answer a few more crucial questions that the target audience have in mind like “What will be the problem that you are trying to address and hoping to resolve?”, “What is your desired product or the expected outcome of the work?” and “Why is addressing the issue or problem important?”. By answering these questions, the context of the team charter will be more meaningful. This should be clear and brief. This should also be able to grab the attention of the target audience. Remember that it is best to be convincing and interesting as early as the introduction.The objectives: This will determine the goals you are expecting and trying to achieve. It is important that the type of goal you have in mind can be classified as SMART goal. This is an abbreviation. The S stands for specific, this means that the goal should be fixed and unwavering. The M stands for measurable. This means that the goal should be quantifiable in order to monitor and prove that you are making progress. The A stands for attainable. This means that the goal should be achievable. Focus on selecting and identifying a realistic goal. The goal should be possible to achieve within a specified amount of time. The R stands for relevant. This means that the goal should be in direct correlation with the project or the overall mission statement and vision statement of the company. Make sure that the goal is of significant importance for the growth of the company and the whole industry. The T stands for time-bound. This means that you should set a deadline for the mentioned goal. This will help in giving you the motivational push you need in order to persevere in achieving the goal.The roles and responsibilities of the team: In this section, it is important to have a list of the team leader and the members. This can be related to an employee list. After identifying the members needed in order for the completion of the project, identify the different roles and responsibilities. Allocate the members into their respective department or task. To fully know and understand the different roles and responsibilities of each member, make use of a RACI chart. The R will stand for responsible. This will identify the team members that is responsible for that task or if that particular responsibility is still under his or her scope of work. The A stands for accountable. This will identify who is authorized in making decisions. This will generally be the the team leader. The C stands for counsulted. This will identify to whom the team members will seek help and advice in performing the tasks. The I stands for informed. This will identify who will be the person who needs to be informed of the status and progress of the project.The budget and resources: This will determine the required budget plan and the other supporting resources like tools and different pieces of equipment that is necessary in order to achieve the required output. Before starting a project, it is crucial to identify if the needed resources are available.The report plan: This section is optional. It can be considered as an independent element or in some cases it is considered a subcategory of the roles and responsibilities. This will mainly be focused on the communication process within the team. It will also identify the frequency of the meetings that will be held for status and progress reports. In addition, this will also identify how you will handle conflicts and obstacles that may hinder the completion of the project.The operational plan: This will identify the work process of the team in order to achieve said goal. A detailed operational plan goes as far as listing out the daily work schedule.The review process: Identify and explain what will be the process in reviewing and evaluating the work process. State also how you will evaluate the performance of the team and the individuals included. This is essential in knowing that there is an actual progress happening.The stakeholders: This section will identify the sponsors of the project. This will also identify who will be affected by the desired output.The conclusion: Like in any other documents, a conclusion is important. This will summarize the key elements like the goal statement and the different operations.

Step by Step Process in Creating a Team Charter

Step 1: Brainstorming

The first step in creating this document is identifying the key elements. It is very important that all the key elements are thought of meticulously. A helpful strategy in knowing and expanding the different details is by the use of mind maps. With this you can start with the main purpose in the middle then carefully and exhaustively expand the idea to identify every minute detail that will complete the document. You can make use of one mind map for each element. This will enable you to have a better understanding of what is needed. In order to come up with an in-depth team charter all the key elements should be carefully reviewed and evaluated.

Step 2: Integrating

After the brainstorming, if all the details are identified then start grouping them up and allocate them to their respective sections in the key elements. Remember to carefully analyze where each detail will be put under.

Step 3: Elaborating

After classifying the details, explain it as clear as you can and as brief as you can. A team charter should be easy to understand but at the same time contain all the necessary pieces of information.

Step 4: Reviewing and Evaluating

Go over the document as frequently as needed in order to make sure that the status and progress of the project is going well.This is also to make sure that you are on track and the tasks are still in line with the end goal.

Make use of the templates available above in order to have an outline and a helpful guide in creating an effective and detailed team charter.

The Benefits of Having a Team Charter

Buy-in

Some staff and employees are intimidated and afraid of changes. This is especially true if there are no clear details on what the goal is and how to accomplish the said goals. Trying out new things is scary. But, with the help of team charter, whether it is a current or new employee, they will have an idea of what to do and how to do it. This will make sure that you will be able to recruit team members and have your hands on the necessary resources that are available and needed.

Accountability

In case that there are unexpected and unfavourable circumstances in a team and the project, the team charter will clearly define who will be responsible for whatever that will come next. This is to make sure that there is accountability for everyone on the team.

Roles and Responsibility

This will define the daily operations in the project. Without proper instructions and directions, team members may lose their focus and their way while working. This will make sure that there is a clear and specific task for each member. It clarifies the scope of work of each team member.

Purpose of the Team

This will state and define the main purpose as to why the team was created. This will help in avoiding confusion and make sure that everyone will see the worth of the team.

Clarity

By identifying and clarifying each key element included in the team charter, it will help in getting the team together through tough times. It will clarify what is needed to do incase of problems. It can be of help also in risk management plan.

What are the usual phases in the development of a team?

According to Tuckman, B.W. & Jensen, M.A.C., there are 5 typical phases in developing a team. This was based on a research study called Stages of Small Group Development Revisited.

Step 1: Forming – This is also called the initial period. This is the phase where the team members are still on the get to know each other phase.

Step 2: Storming – This is also called the sorting out period. This is the phase where the team members are giving their opinions about the subject matter. These opinions may be about the task as well as the team leader’s authority will be questioned.

Step 3: Norming – This is the step where team members will focus on laying out the foundations in terms of procedure in order to achieve the set of goals. This is the part where everyone will start working as one.

Step 4: Performing – This will be the step in where the team will start executing the established plans. This is also the section where the team members are allocated in each department. They will also be performing the roles and responsibilities assigned to them.

Step 5: Dissolving or reevaluation – This is the part where the team will be dissolved due to the completion of the project. Sometimes this part will also be a step where the team will be evaluated in order to move on to other projects.

What are the 5R’s framework in the program cycle?

The 5R’s stands for results, roles, responsibilities, relationships and rules.

Results – This is the first part in the framework of the program cycle. This will identify what the expected or desired outcomes, products as well as service of the team. This will also define how it is essential in achieving the business goals.

Roles – The next part would be identifying the different roles of the team members. This will be clearly stated and explained to the employees about their respective part or function in the team.

Responsibilities – After identifying what function will be performed by each individual, it is needed to move on to the identification of the work. Each team member will then be assigned and allocated to their specific responsibilities. It will also state the desired work that they need to perform and accomplish.

Relationships – The next part would be identifying the different relationships. This will state and define what the connection is between the team members. How will they communicate with one another? Also, to whom will they get and provide the necessary resources? Included also in this section is the external communication with the sponsors and stakeholders. Regular updates on the status and progress of the project should be conveyed to the stakeholders.

Rules – This part is similar to policy and procedure. This will define the set of rules that are to be implemented. Every member should abide by the rules at all times when it is working hours and within the boundaries of the workplace. This will lay out what the appropriate behaviors are in the company.

There is no doubt that a group with one goal and direction in mind will be more effective and faster in achieving the target goal. A team charter is a document that will guide the team members in knowing what the goal is and understanding the plan of action in achieving those goals. Make sure that a team charter is available and accessible to every member of the project team. Try out the templates available above in order to be efficient in creating an in-depth team charter.