Every employer or manager in a company would like their team to operate effectively and efficiently. However, this is usually very difficult to do without external help. One tool that, helps improve the quality of a team's performance is the 5R Contract. Created by Radek Drzewiecki, CEO of Leanpassion, this team sports-inspired model provides team integration and clear rules for cooperation. So how does the 5R Contract work and why is it so effective?
What is the 5R Contract? - an effective and efficient way of managing a team
The 5Rs contract is a tool that creates a structure for how a team operates, enabling all człons of the team to focus on achieving common goals. It is based on five key elements: direction, framework, roles, rules and relationships. These elements allow a clear definition of the framework within which the organisation should operate and the role to be played by each człon of the team, eliminating any ambiguity and improvisation. With this tool, managers can define precisely what rules of cooperation and responsibility apply to the team.
The tool works effectively at all levels of an organisation - from small project teams to entire companies, regardless of size or industry. It helps to keep all człons of the team focused on common goals, increasing efficiency and engagement.

Key benefits of the 5Rs Contract
The 5R tool brings clarity and structure to the day-to-day work of the team. A team contract that provides a clear framework for action eliminates uncertainty and minimises tensions between człons of the team. This improves team collaboration and efficiency. Key benefits include:
- Consistency of actions - each człon of the team acts according to agreed rules, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
- Team integration - clearly defined roles and rules increase commitment and a sense of belonging to common goals.
- Efficiency - focusing all człons of the team on common goals makes the team work more efficiently, resulting in better results.
- Friendly atmosphere - clear rules for cooperation and an atmosphere of trust promote better cooperation and increase motivation.
- Focus on objectives - the contract allows the team to concentrate on key tasks, eliminating distractions.
5Rs step by step - How to create a Contract?
Creating the 5Rs Contract is a process that requires the involvement of the whole team. We therefore recommend carrying out this process once a year, preferably after you have set your budget and objectives for the coming period. Here is what each element of the Contract looks like:
1. direction
This is the first and most important element. The team collectively defines the objectives that will support the company's strategy. Direction is the basis for all activities and determines where the team is to go and at what pace. As Radek Drzewiecki points out, a well-defined direction motivates the team's człons to win.
2 The framework
The next step is to establish the framework, or structure, within which the team will operate. This is the place to define procedures, processes, scopes of decision-making and individual objectives. The framework is key to understanding within which boundaries the team can operate, preventing chaotic activities.
3. roles
Each członk of the team should have a clearly defined role. In this step, it is defined what exactly each człon of the team is responsible for and what their competences are. This ensures that everyone knows what responsibility they have and how they can contribute to the common goals.
4 Rules
There must be firm rules of cooperation within the team that are adhered to by all. Rules include standards of work and behaviour that ensure consistency and coherence in actions. This precludes any ambiguity, allowing the team to operate effectively.
5 Relationships
The final element is building relationships based on trust and support. This is an extremely important aspect, as only a team that trusts each other can achieve success. Fostering cooperation and creating a friendly atmosphere promotes effective teamwork.
Types of 5r contracts
- 5R contract for the whole company
- 5R team contract
- 5R contract at project level
- 5R process contract
How does the 5R Contract support team effectiveness and engagement?
The 5R contract ensures that all człons of the team are focused on achieving common goals, defining a framework for collaboration and clearly defining the role of each człon. This eliminates ambiguity and the stress of uncertainty at work. Each członk of the team understands their role and knows how their work contributes to the success of the team.
The 5Rs contract eliminates team dysfunctions such as lack of trust, avoidance of responsibility or low commitment. This allows the team to focus on delivering results.
Why use the 5Rs Contract?
The 5Rs contract is a tool that is proving extremely effective in today's business world. Thanks to its simplicity and clarity, it enables rapid team integration and the elimination of silos that often inhibit organisational effectiveness. Teams using the 5Rs can quickly move from theory to practice, achieving common goals without unnecessary complications.
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Summary
Introducing the 5Rs Contract into an organisation is a step towards building a team that operates within a clearly defined framework and focuses on achieving common goals. With this tool, leaders can create a friendly working atmosphere and eliminate misunderstandings, increasing the effectiveness of collaboration. The 5Rs contract enables a quick transition from theory to practice, allowing all człons of the team to focus on achieving common goals.





