PSMI Week 2 — Colleague Letter of Understanding
A social contract at work is a set of expectations and commitments we make to and with one another about how we intend to be in relationship. Any organization can benefit from the use of social contracts, and they are especially useful (even essential) for self-managed organizations.
Our individual assignment this week is to create a social contract in the form of a personal mission statement for working with our colleagues in this Practical Self-Management Intensive course. One example of this type of document is the Morningstar Colleague Letter of Understanding (CLOU). Below is my personal mission statement for the course.
Mission: I am participating in this course to learn as much as possible about the current state of the “future of work” movement as represented by LeadWise and Enspiral Self-Management. And I am here to contribute by sharing my own experience and insights, as well as encouragement, with colleagues.
Activities: I will participate fully by attending all live training sessions, engaging daily via Slack, complete all assignments including team projects, and provide feedback on others’ assignments.
Metrics: How will I know, and how will others know, if I am meeting my commitments? Colleagues will see me participating in all scheduled activities; see my posts to Slack and Medium; and have the opportunity to review my completed assignments and provide feedback.
Time: I commit to spend at least six hours each week on the Activities.
Colleagues: My colleagues are everyone involved in this cohort of the PSMI course, including the coaches. Those colleagues in my Week 2 team project will review and approve this agreement.
My Expectations: For me to have a great experience, I expect my colleagues to participate as fully and intentionally as I do. I expect carefully prepared and curated content from the coaches.
Mission Alignment: The mission of the PSMI is to equip participants with “practical knowledge and tools to change how you work.” My own participation supports the overall mission by adding my energy to the mix, as a student and collaborator.
Support Needed: To fulfill my mission, I need the coaches to be prepared, engaged, and available. I need my student colleagues to participate fully, especially in team projects and in giving feedback. I requested that colleague Heather Hanson schedule a time to meet with me outside of regular course time to discuss ways to extend this work in Colorado; she has agreed to do that. (Note — this last bit was in response to the assignment suggestion that we include at least one item for negotiation in our CLOU.)
When We Fall Short: What happens when my commitments or expectations of others are not met? I commit to communicating the situation in real time to my colleagues, and to work to find alternative solutions. I also commit to hold teammates accountable when they are falling short of the mark, in the spirit of our social contract. (Note — this item was the result of feedback from teammate Heather Hanson.)

