How Is a Team Charter Written?

Team charters are written documents that define the mission, scope, objectives, time frame and consequences of a team. Team charters are written by management or the team itself.

Purpose

A team charter gives a work team a written idea of the major objectives of the team. This charter offers the company's mission statement as well as why the team exists. It offers guidance to the team regarding their work projects. Teams refer to this charter when general information is needed about the team's expectations of management.

Process

If management has not written the charter, sometimes teams write their own charter. In this case, management investigates the charter and, if it meets their expectations, approves it. By allowing the team to write its own charter, more flexibility is allowed. This often works well because team members can incorporate their own personalities and work skills into the charter which may benefit the company.

Details

Team charters begin with a purpose statement that supports the company's mission statement. The objectives of the team are listed as well as the time lines and scope of the operation.

References

• High Performance Team: Team Charter
• NPD Solutions: Team Charter