How to Build a Team Agreement and Get Your Team on Track

The Key to Alignment: Build a Team Agreement (AKA “Couth Code”)

If your team’s expectations aren’t clear, or people aren’t meeting them consistently, you don’t just have a frustration problem—you have a clarity problem. One of the best ways to fix this is by creating a Team Agreement—or, as we like to light-heartedly call it, a Couth Code.

We started calling it a Couth Code after countless executives asked us the same exasperated question: “How do we teach couth?”

They weren’t asking about technical skills or strategic decision-making. They were frustrated by things people should know—things their mama should have taught them, or at the very least, things they should have picked up in school.

Simple, professional courtesies like responding to emails, showing up prepared, and not sharing data without context.

So, we decided to tackle it head-on—by giving teams a format to codify these unwritten rules into something clear, actionable, and (most importantly) teachable. The Couth Code (or Team Agreement) is the result: a shared set of behaviors that define what it means to be a great teammate in your culture. It sets the standard for professionalism, responsiveness, and respect—without having to micromanage every little detail.

Of course, you don’t have to call it a “Couth Code.” You might call it “Leadership Expectations” or simply a Team Agreement.

NOTE:  We find there’s some tongue-in-cheek catharsis in using the word “couth” during the forming stages of the team agreement, but you’ll want to rename it before you begin your widespread communication plan.

Start Here if Your Team Isn’t Meeting Expectations

What Do We Mean By Couth (noun) \ˈküth at Work?

The secret sauce of high-functioning teams.

1. The fine art of being professionally considerate while getting stuff done.
2. The workplace equivalent of holding the door open—but for emails, deadlines, and meetings.
3. What separates the “awesome to work with” from the “constantly chased down for updates.”
4. A blend of courtesy and competence—because great teams are built on both.
5. The opposite of ghosting, deadline dodging, and vague meeting invites.

How to Have Couth (Examples)

Here are some examples of expectations your team might choose to include in their couth code.

🤝 Respond to Important Emails Within 24 Hours (Texts Even Faster!)

Reply within 24 hours—even if it’s just a quick “Got it!” or “I’ll follow up by [date].”
Texts = Urgent. If a colleague or leader texts you, assume it’s time-sensitive and respond as quickly as you reasonably can (ideally within two hours). Even if you don’t have an answer yet, acknowledge it: “Got your text—working on it!”

Related Article:  How to Get Your Team to Stop Sending You Frustrating Email Communication

🤝 No Data Without Context (a.k.a. Don’t Just Attach 37 Spreadsheets and Run)

If you’re sharing data, provide a summary, key takeaways, and an informed opinion. No one has time to decode raw numbers without context. Try:
📌 “Attached is the report—key takeaway: revenue is up 12% this quarter, but customer churn increased. I recommend we look into X.” instead of “See attached.”

🤝 Own Your Deadlines

If you’re going to miss a deadline, don’t make people chase you. Give a heads-up, offer a revised timeline, and ask what they need.

🤝 Respect People’s Time in Meetings

If you’re late, let them know. If you schedule a meeting, clarify the purpose. And please—no “mystery meetings” with no agenda!

🤝 Use Clear Email Subject Lines

A subject line like “Quick Approval Needed by Friday” is 100x better than “Hey.”

🤝 Be Thoughtful About Asking for Help

Before you ask someone for something, consider: Can I figure this out? Is this the right person? What’s the best way to ask?

🤝 Dress with Professional Intention (Even on Zoom!)

Your clothes send a message—make sure it’s the right one. Dressing professionally doesn’t mean being stiff or formal, but it does mean looking like you showed up on purpose.
Even if you’re remote, no one wants to wonder if you’re still wearing last night’s hoodie.

How to Align and Create a Team Agreement (Couth Code): A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with a Conversation
   Gather your team and discuss the behaviors and expectations that define great teamwork in your culture. Ask: “What do we expect from each other to work well together?”
2. Identify Pain Points
   What behaviors are currently causing friction? Are there misunderstandings, repeated frustrations, or areas where people aren’t aligned? Capture these challenges and frame them as opportunities for improvement.
3. Brainstorm Key Habits 
   List the most important professional habits and behaviors that will help your team thrive. Think about communication, responsiveness, meeting etiquette, and accountability. To expedite this process, you can have everyone brainstorm expectations and fill them out on sticky notes (one couthful behavior per sticky) and then group like ideas together.  Our SynergyStack™ Team Collaboration System includes a set of 48 habits that would be a great start to choose from. 
4. Draft the Couth Code
   Using the brainstormed ideas, craft a simple, clear, and actionable document outlining your team’s expectations. Keep it practical and concise. You can download this FREE spreadsheet to make it easier (just click on the image to the right).
5. Get Team Buy-In
   Share the draft with the team and invite feedback. Adjust as needed to ensure everyone feels ownership over the agreement.
6. Build a Communication Plan
   If you’ve been following us for a while, you know about 5×5 communication– Communicate and reinforce your habits five times, in five different ways
7. Lead by Example
   Leaders should model the behaviors outlined in the agreement. If you want responsiveness, be responsive. If you expect professionalism, demonstrate it.  

Final Thought: Make the Team Agreement Fit Your Workplace Culture

The goal isn’t to dictate every tiny behavior—it’s to create shared clarity around what great teamwork looks like in your culture. Whether you call it Leadership Expectations, Team Commitments, or The Couth Code, the most important thing is that everyone understands it, agrees to it, and follows through.

When people know the rules of the game, it’s easier to play—and win—together.

Are you looking for more, powerful ways to accelerate team performance, reduce stress and work better together? We can help.  Contact us at info@letsgrowleaders.com to learn more about our SynergySprint Team Retreat or leadership development program.