Eight Steps to Successful Collaborations

One of the key findings from the recent Stronger Communities, Stronger Economy discussions is that there is a real need for collaboration between organisations, individuals and communities particularly now in this period of recession. 

Whether those collaborations be in the form of shared resources between organisations, as identified in the shared backroom idea, or individuals sharing shop space to inject life into the high street, or even building capacity for self organising within communities, the message is clear:  none of us can create change on our own – we need to work together. 

And so I read with interest yesterday’s Washington Post blog post about how to create effective partnerships and successful alliances. 

The author, Susan Jackon, suggests that when forming new collaborations or alliances, you must bear in mind eight specific bullet points – identified as  the “Eight I’s That Make We” concept, which I thought was worth sharing here:

1.  Individual excellence.  Both parties must have strengths on their own, because weak players cannot prop each other up.

2.  Importance.  The relationship must have strategic significance. If it is just casual, don’t bother.

3.  Interdependence.  The strongest and most enduring alliances occur when the parties are different in some respects and need each other to carry out an activity they would not otherwise do.

4.  Investment.  One sign of commitment is a willingness to invest something in the partner’s success, such as equities or personnel swaps (business “hostages for peace”).

5.  Information.  Transparency aids relationship formation. If you don’t want a partner to know too much about you, why are you in the alliance?

6.  Integration.   There must be many points of contact that tie the organizations together in joint activities.

7.  Institutionalization.   A formal structure and governing board ensures objectivity, and that alliance interests are considered, not just each company’s interests.

8.  Integrity.   Trust is essential. Alliances fall apart in conflict and lawsuits when partners do not act ethically toward one another nor strive to contribute to the other’s success

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Read the full Washington Post article here >>>

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