Team Charter

Team Charter — A document describing key aspects of why a team is established, what is expected of it, and what authority and responsibility it has. The person or entity creating (i.e., “chartering” or authorizing) the team normally provides some general guidance; however, the team may benefit considerably by developing the “meat and potatoes” of the charter, resulting in increased commitment of all team members. Examples of topics that may be included in a charter follow:

• Purpose — Describe why the team exists and what it is intended to accomplish.
• Goals/objectives — List specific, measurable items the team is focused on achieving to help it exceed its customer’s expectations.
• Critical success factors — List the critical actions the team must perform to ensure it is successful in fulfilling its purpose.
• End products/deliverables — Describe the item(s) the team is responsible for delivering.
• Authority and accountability — Describe what team members are allowed/not allowed to do without authorization from a higher level. Describe what they are responsible for completing.
• Metrics — List measures of progress for critical success factors and goals/objectives.
• Program schedule — List key program/team milestones and events.
• Team membership — List team members and contact information.
• Roles and responsibilities — List specific assignments for improving team performance (e.g., timekeeper, recorder or scribe, scheduler, etc.). Also, list specific tasks and/or action items the team is assigned to complete.
• Resources required — Describe the funding, materials, equipment, support, etc., the team needs to complete its mission.
• Program organizational structure — Define where the team fits within the overall program office structure.
• Program organizational structure Describe or depict where the team fits in the overall program office structure.
• Operating agreements/ground rules — List agreed-upon guidelines describing how team members will interact, what processes they will use, and what they expect of one another.
• Customers, suppliers, and stakeholders — List key individuals, teams, and organizations involved with the team’s output.