Definition
The movement of clarity and agreement on mutual expectations, boundaries and modalities of cooperation before cooperation begins.
In detail
Contracting is a section in the "Successful Relationships" course (a Danaher self-authored course): before cooperation begins, reach a shared definition of objectives, roles, and relationships, and follow nine rules (e.g., contracts must be 50/50, and one cannot contract with someone not present). It is not the 3C principle of Crucial Conversations (3C = communication/collaboration/commitment, a different section), nor is it the 3C of the 3C board (Concern/Cause/Countermeasure) in the Lean Leadership card. It addresses conflicts in cooperation caused by inconsistent expectations, ensuring both parties have a shared understanding of objectives, roles, and Flow. Unlike a project charter, it emphasizes interpersonal commitment. It usually outputs a verbal or written cooperation agreement.
Example in practice
Two departments need to jointly develop a new product, but previous collaborations often failed due to unclear responsibilities. Before this launch, the heads of both parties held a "covenant" conversation to clarify their respective responsibilities, communication frequency, and decision-making authority, and documented it. In subsequent collaboration, both parties acted according to the agreement, reducing blame-shifting and misunderstandings.