The how and why of team contracting

Team development without contracting is nothing more than a happy coincidence.

Does that sound harsh? Maybe it is, but consider this: if you don’t go through some kind of contracting with the team (and their manager), you won't know for sure what the development goals are of the team. And if you don’t know the development goals, none of your interventions can be intentionally done to achieve those deleopment goals. The best you can do is what you think is needed. If that happens to result in the right kind of team development, that’s great - but it’s also coincidence.

Why a team coaching contract is important

If that isn’t enough reason to start doing contracting, here are a few more reasons:

• Greater clarity for all parties: Contracting helps to ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the direction and goals for the coaching engagement.

• Increased trust: When expectations are set, and confidentiality is guaranteed, the team members will be much more willing to be vulnerable. This will allow you to create deeper and more meaningful conversation.

• Stronger buy-in: If each team member is involved in the contract creation, their commitment to success will be much stronger.

What is a team coaching contract

Before we go any further, let me clarify what I mean with a team coaching contract. I’m not referring to any legal documents, contracts etc. Instead, this is an agreement, co-created by the coach, the team, and any relevant stakeholders (e.g. the manager).

How to create a team coaching contract

Coming soon