How to Write a Team Charter for a Private Business

A team charter defines a team's purpose.

A team charter is a document that defines the overall purpose of a team within an organization and is used to inspire and motivate a team. Team charters are especially important in private businesses because a team's purpose may not be inherently defined. That is, a public business has shareholders and other constituents who can shape a team's purpose, and ultimately their charter. However, a private business doesn't have as many external stakeholders, and therefore will benefit from a strongly crafted team charter.

Instructions

1. Meet together as a team in a conference room or other central location.

2. Brainstorm by answering three key questions. First, what does the team do? Second, who does the team perform for? Finally, how does the team complete its job?

3. Write a brief statement answering the first question, what does the team do? State specifically what the team does and why the team's function is important.

4. Continue the charter by stating who the team serves. This can be an internal or external "customer." Also include a statement about how the "customer" will benefit from your team's performance.

5. Conclude the charter with a brief but specific statement about how you will best serve your "customer." Include specific details about the final deliverable or product your team will deliver to the "customer."

References

• University of Wisconsin-Stout: A Guide to Writing Your Team's Charter Statement
• Ends of the Earth: Creating a Team Charter
• Mind Tools: Team Charters