Reading Time: 4 minutes

Team Charter Canvas — How to Onboard Your Team Best

Main Takeaways
Reading Time: 4 minutes The Team Charter Canvas I developed is a tool to reflect in depth on team chartering, teamwork and team culture, and team cohesion. It builds upon team values and goals: Mission, People & Roles, Scope, Common Goals, Values, Norms, and Fun Events. The Team Prime Directive summarises the team charter.

Description of Team Charter Canvas

The Team Charter Canvas I developed is a facilitation format I use frequently to reflect on teamwork and team culture. It is a further development of the Team Canvas by Alex Ivanov and Mitya Voloshchuk.

The quadrants of the canvas are filled after some brainstorming on team values and goals. Possible brainstorming formats are Lego Serious Play and Prime Directive. Team Chartering with Lego Serious Play.

 

Download free Team Charter Canvas A0-Poster

 

Team Charter Canvas

 

 


 

Playing the Team Charter Canvas

  • The group has less than 15 people.
  • The group listens actively and attentively.
  • Everyone has space to be deeply heard.
  • To be accepted all statements placed on the canvas have to fulfil the following standards:
    • Clear & Understandable: clear definition of terms, even blurred once. No jargon or buzzwords. No adverbs – use verbs instead
    • Short: short sentences and descriptions.
    • Actionable: phrase active voice sentences.
    • Measurable: define goals S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-framed.
    • Adapt the Team Charter regularly.

When to use Team Charter Canvas

  • Starting a new team.
  • Kicking off a project.
  • Onboarding new team members.
  • Team chartering and team alignment to business/department vision. - For an advanced team alignment exercise, see my Team Trust Canvas facilitation.

Facilitator Role

  • Supports the creative process of each person in the group (listening deeply and appreciatively to each contribution).
  • Listens deeply, and creates a space where each participant can be deeply heard.
  • Provides empathy, respect, and support for each participant’s contribution.
  • Values each participant's contribution.
  • Takes care that participants fulfil the mentioned above acceptance and quality criteria.

Further Readings