MAKING AGREEMENTS

HAIDEE T. GUINTO

Agreement is the situation in which people have the same opinion, or in which they approve of or accept something. It’s a decision or arrangement, often formal and written, between two or more groups or people.

Clear agreements help thwart unnecessary conflict. Teams working with clear agreements work together within a common sense of purpose and process; agreements eliminate assumptions about expectations, which increases trust and thus the team’s performance.

Effective team agreements clearly define expectations for each other. These operating parameters define successful ways we work with each other.

1.It should be simple and real.

2. It should be defined and supported by every member of the team. 3. Agreements should contain specific soft skills and interpersonal behaviors. 4.Team agreements that have proven successful include:

5.We have open communication and active participation

5.We respect others views, thoughts, and appreciate contribution

6.We resolve all conflicts positively; we address conflicts head on, respectfully 7. Have all team members sign off and publically commit to the team agreements

Agreements are also useful in the classroom. Teaching and learning process becomes successful if the pupils are aware of what house rules are available. That is why this is included in the classroom observation tool being followed by the school head during class observation.

-oOoThe author is Teacher II at Del Rosario Elementary School