Guidelines for Writing An Effective Agreement

Copyright © 2003

Annette Nay, MS

1. Use plain English.
2. Use as much of the participants language as possible.
3. Specify dates and deadlines
4. Identify what must be done and who is responsible.
5. Avoid vague language.
6. Answer: Who, What, When, Where, and How.
7. List each provision separately.
8. Omit mention of blame, fault or guilt.
9. Be neutral.
   • As much as possible try to alternate concessions between the participants.
10. Refuse to except agreements which are destined to fail. Explain why!
    • Plan in some fudge factor so the agreement is livable.
    • Agreements that state always and never need to be looked at critically for times that this may not be able to be acceptable.
11. Cover all essential issues, but don't get bogged down in unrelated peripheral matters.
12. Identify the consequences if the agreement is broken.
13. Identify who will monitor performance.
14. If possible do not involve outside parties.
15. Be specific! Be complete!

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