It can be so easy to jump in to a task, a job, or project.
However, this can create issues. Have you ever been far along in a project and realize you wish you could go back to the beginning and set up an agreement that would allow you to work better? Maybe you’re wishing you would have been paid ahead of time, boundaries on your time, or more realistic deliverables.
Whether you are a salaried employee, freelance contractor, or volunteer committee member, if we’re not careful, we can fall into situations where expectations are misaligned, balls are dropped, and people get frustrated . . . including you.
Here’s a potential solution… set up an agreement
Something you can try is setting up a “before we start” agreement.
Step 1 – Pause your personal work on the project. Before your jump head-first into your project, remember to pause and clarify and agree first. If you’re already working on the project, don’t worry, it’s not too late. Pause now before you do anything else. This is better than waiting until the end!
Step 2 – Create your “front end” agreement. You can also call this your Front-loaded Agreement, Before-We-Start Agreement, Working Expectations Agreement, or Memo-of-Understanding (MOU). It’s important you create this in writing and not just out loud. Having it digital and easily recall-able helps, too. It doesn’t have to be more than 1 typed page with plenty of margins and white space. Here are some potential sections to outline:
- A short description of the work to be provided
- Boundaries of time and energy
- Expectation on delivery date
- Variables that could change the delivery date or other conditions
- What this “doesn’t include” section (helpful to keep the scope narrow)
Step 3 – Share the agreement digitally. Share a copy of your document with your boss or team digitally and make sure everyone has enough time to process what’s been written. It’s important they have a copy on their end so they can refer back to it down the road.
Step 4 – Make the agreement and move forward. If you need to make adjustments, do so, then re-send it to everyone. Now that you have the clarity on the expectations and deliverables, you and everyone else is now accountable. You’ve set up the boundaries and your mind will actually be able to relax and focus on the outcome.
