Project Game Rules are an agreement between the members of the team regarding the management of various issues. They are usually the result of discussions leading to a joint, and documented agreement.

 

Project Game Rules are just like any other contract. The vital point of a contract is that it forces the parties to consider their positions, expectations, and desires at an early stage, as well as understanding other team member's needs and positions.

 

A perfect contract never needs to be used. The process is sufficient to unite the team so that the game rules become a natural part of the working manner.

 

Game rules should cover issues like:

 

Meetings

• What type?

• How often?

• Who will participate?

• What form should the minutes have?

• Who is the chairperson?

• Will the minutes be authorized?

• How will the minutes be distributed and archived?

 

Documentation

• What information will be documented?

• How will it be documented?

• How and to whom will it be distributed?

• Where and how will it be archived?

 

Decisions

• Who may make independent decisions and on which issues?

• What decision-making process shall we use?

• How do we resolve disagreements?

• In which issues will joint decisions be made, consensus a must?

• How will decisions be documented?

• How will information on decisions be cascaded?

• How will documentation be archived?

 

Confidentiality

• What information will be kept confidential?

• What information may be supplied to outsiders, and who may provide it?

 

Social activities

• Will there be any social activities, and if so, what, when, where, and how?

 

Roles, areas of responsibility, and powers of authority

• What applies to the project manager?

• Will, all the project team members, have equivalent roles, areas of responsibility, and powers of authority, or will they be varied?

 

Etiquette

• How will we behave towards one another?

• What is not acceptable behavior?

• What social relations are covered by the rules?

 

Discipline

• What happens if the game rules are not followed?

• Who monitors and checks?

 

It is vital to reach a high level of consensus; otherwise, the risk is significant that the rules will not be obeyed. An understanding of the needs of others and the acceptance that teamwork demands adjustment and compromise is required.