How to Use Team Charter to Improve Performance

Team charters are a tool for business executives and sports coaches to create a cohesive squad that has a set vision, shared goals and a common philosophy. The team charter can be used to motivate and inspire; it also holds everybody involved in the team accountable for their actions and performance. Sports team charters are drawn up at the beginning of a playing year so that everyone starts with the same viewpoint. Parents, players and coaches each have a role in holding each other accountable.

Instructions

    • 1

      Brainstorm the components of the charter at a meeting of all players, coaches and parents. Each group should have input into the charter. A good rule for brainstorming: "Anything goes. No discussing or criticizing ideas. Just throw out every possible idea."

    • 2
      Team charters should be developed by everyone involved.

      Discuss and refine the ideas. A team charter doesn't need to be long, but it should cover a vision or mission statement; goals for the team overall or for the season; responsibility of parents, coaches and players; and consequences. Using an outside facilitator to help with this process eliminates any sense of bias and allows full participation.

    • 3

      Draft a charter document and allow everyone a chance to look it over. Make any final adjustments necessary. The document should provide clear and actionable items. Rather than "win a lot of games," it should say "win 75 percent of games." Alternatively, a noncompetitive team could say, "Ensure that everyone plays in every game no matter what the score."

    • 4

      Sign the charter. Everyone who is part of the team --- no matter in what role --- should sign the document. Give everyone a copy of the charter.

    • 5

      Remind each other of the charter. Coaches can motivate by pointing out the goals in the charter. Kids can encourage each other to do well in school, not swear or show up on time if these are in the charter.

    • 6

      Hold team-building activities throughout the year. Just as businesses have team meetings and retreats, so should sports teams at any level.