The five-step process includes: (1) identification of perceived needs; (2) agreement on the definition of all terms; (3) negotiation of rights, duties, and mutual obligations; (4) written evidence of the agreed upon issues; and (5) followup on the written agreement to assure compliance and modification as needed. The process works best when practiced at the executive level using a facilitator or outside consultant. Once accomplished at that level, further team building can be done internally. The entire process involves interaction between the facilitator and staff members. The negotiation step of the process can be the most productive if the facilitator moves the group toward stating its needs in concise terms. The facilitator must then require the group to put its needs and obligations in writing and help the group and its chief agree on the issues identified. The resulting written contract can be as brief as one page or a lengthy document that encompasses a broad range of policy and regulatory issues. To make the team building process worthwhile, the agreement or contract must be real to all parties and not just an intellectual exercise. Followup is therefore essential to insure compliance and modification.