The traditional method of recognising an intentional relationship, either between individuals or between an individual and an organisation, is a formal contract. Although this may satisfy employment law and the contract administrators, it often results in a merely transactional relationship between the contracted parties.

Dreamwork Intentions honour formal relationships by identifying the collective intentions, needs and perspectives of the individuals and groups within the relationship. By exploring and definitively stating these, an authentic possibility space can be established for the relationship. The nature and boundaries of this space are then agreed and recorded.

As Dreamwork Intentions create a space rather than the fixed targets found in a conventional contract, they are not vulnerable to gaming where the achievement of an artificial target is seen as more valuable than accomplishing a real result. A Dreamwork Intention is not intended to replace a formal contract; it exists in partnership with that contract and truly reflects the identities, values and beliefs of all those involved.