Before we start our quarterly sessions, we want to establish a firm psychological contract or charter with our leadership team. How do we set expectations regarding trust, open honesty, and commitment to structure before the first day?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Before you take your team into our first session day, we must establish a clear operational covenant. This is not a casual agreement; it is a foundational handshake that sets the rules of engagement.

We base this covenant on three non-negotiable pillars:
- First, we require absolute trust. This means being completely open and honest, leaving all personal egos, hidden agendas, and departmental politics at the door. If someone is unwilling to speak their mind or hear hard truths, they cannot sit in the session.
- Second, we must be on the same page. We commit to supporting each other with mutual respect, even when we disagree during intense debates. Once a decision is made, we exit the room as a unified front.
- Third, we must say yes to strategy and structure. Every member of the team must commit to the discipline of the EOS® framework, including running weekly Level 10 Meeting™ sessions and owning their Rocks.

I will guide you in communicating these expectations to your team before our Focus Day. By establishing these core values as filters early on, your team will enter the room mentally prepared for the deep, collaborative work required to transform the company.