Reader situation
A discussion has led to an idea for working together: a joint article, a shared resource, a small research project or an event. Enthusiasm is high. Expectations often aren’t written down, which can cause misunderstandings later.
Central idea
A small collaboration benefits from explicit expectations before work begins. This canvas helps participants agree on the outcome, contributions, timing, information permissions and how to review or end the arrangement.
Practical steps
- Shared outcome. Agree what you’re producing and why.
- Contributions. List what each person will contribute.
- Roles and timing. Agree who does what, and when.
- Information and IP permissions. Agree how information and the result can be used.
- Decision process. Agree how decisions will be made.
- Review and exit. Agree when you’ll review progress and how anyone can step out.
Tool: canvas
Complete the canvas together, ideally in one short conversation. Each person keeps a copy.
Collaboration agreement
Participants: ________
- Shared outcome What we’ll produce: ________ Who it’s for: ________ Why it’s worth doing: ________
- Contributions What each person brings (time, knowledge, skills, contacts): ________
- Roles and timing Who does what: ________ Key dates: ________ Expected time from each person: ________
- Information and IP permissions Information we’ll share with each other, and limits on its use: ________ Who owns the final result: ________ How each person can use it afterwards: ________ How contributors will be credited: ________
- Decision process How we’ll make decisions (for example consensus, or a named lead): ________ What happens if we disagree: ________
- Review and exit When we’ll review progress: ________ How anyone can step out, and what happens to their contribution: ________
Before you start
Worked example
Fictional example
Three members of a Circle for HR professionals decide to write a short guide on onboarding remote employees. Using the canvas, they agree that each writes one section, Lin leads the editing and the guide will be published under all three names. They agree that no employer information will be included, decisions will be made by consensus, and they’ll review progress after three weeks. They also agree that if anyone withdraws, the others may use the sections already written, with credit.
Boundaries
- The canvas is an informal agreement, not a legal contract. For significant commercial work, seek proper advice.
- Revisit the canvas if the project changes significantly.
One action to try with a professional peer
Before your next small collaboration, complete the canvas together in a 20-minute conversation.
Discussion prompt
What’s one expectation you wish you’d agreed on at the start of a past collaboration?
