1. INTENT & VISION – Specify the big picture of what you intend to accomplish together. The more specific the more likely the vision will become real.

2. ROLES - The general responsibilities of everyone are defined. Everyone needed to achieve the desired results must be part of the agreement.

3. PROMISES - Clear promises so everyone knows who will do what. Will the promised actions get you to the desired results? What actions are missing?

4. TIME / VALUE - All promises have deadlines for completion and the period the agreement will be effective. Who gets what for what, and does the exchange provide adequate incentive for performance ?

5. MEASUREMENTS OF SATISFACTION – A clear, direct, and measurable standard to prevent disagreement about weather you accomplished what you set out to do?

6. CONCERNS AND FEARS—Bringing unspoken challenges to the surface prevents disagreement you know will come up. This deepens the partnership or lets you know it will not work.

7. RENEGOTIATION - Renegotiating promises and conditions of satisfaction because circumstances change. Anyone who feels imprisoned cannot make a maximum contribution.

8. CONSEQUENCES—Agree on consequences for anyone who breaks a promise. More important, what will be lost to everyone involved if the project is not completed.

9. CONFLICT RESOLUTION—Conflicts and disagreements will come up. Agree to adopt an attitude of resolution and a process that leads to a new agreement before you begin.

10. AGREEMENT ? - After the nine previous elements ask whether you trust moving forward. If you’re not clear that you do - you don’t. Unless and until you are satisfied, do not move into action.