In order for people to honor agreements in ways that get the desired result, the following four conditions must be met. If any one of these factors miss the mark, chances are good that something will go wrong.
Clarity: clear about the goal and the complete set of “conditions of satisfaction” (values, criteria, expectations)
Commitment: Solid “yes” representing unwavering alignment to give one’s best effort. No unacknowledged resistance. Self-talk: “My word is my bond.”
Capacity: This is about one’s “bandwidth,” real-world ability to see it through to completion, to stay focused over time, to clear the path. If one’s plate is so full that the new agreement won’t fit, the capacity to get the job done is low. Self-talk: “This fits for me.”
Competence: Willingness to be accountable and follow through; accepts full responsibility and provides evidence through “how will I/we know?”
The following articles provide further background on building a organization where people are productive, do their best work, and are resilient in the face of change.
Building a Workplace Based on Agreements
Successful workplace cultures are based on agreements. Here’s some suggestions on how to get “from here to there.”
The Art and Practice of Agreement
How to build a workplace based on clear and complete, voluntary agreements
