Partnership Tip 7 Partnering works when you use it: Partnering is not a process that works automatically. It requires the commitment from and dedicated efforts of those involved.
Partnership Tip 6 Develop clear, appropriate communications about the partnership:Lack of communication between partners and beneficiaries will breed suspicion and resentment and will fuel personal agendas. Set up good processes to network and share information. Evidence shows that the more you inform, the more satisfied people will be.
Partnership Tip 5 Choose a partner who can partner: It's critical to know that your partner can and will deliver on their promises both now and in years to come; that they can and will grow, increasing their capability to meet challenges, as the partnership evolves. Both partners must know what is needed to partner successfully, discuss both parties capability to do that upfront, and understand what the future aims of, and challenges facing, the partnership may be.
Partnership Tip 4 Senior management commitment to the partnership is fundamental:When top management views partnerships as having strong strategic value, the partnerships themselves tend to have higher success rates. Ensure that senior managers are accessible and involved throughout the development and implementation of the partnership. Many partnerships begin with good intentions but fail to deliver on their initial promise due to lack of senior-level buy-in and support from the start.
Partnership Tip 3 Allow adequate time and resources: Many underestimate the amount of internal resources to allocate and the time required to prepare and plan. Developing a partnership involves multiple stages including selection, negotiation, creation, maintenance/ monitoring and development.
Partnership Tip 2 To CREATE a succesful partnership; an appropriate scope is needed. By starting with a narrow scope, a partnership improves its chances for a smooth implementation. As the relationship develops, trust builds, and a successful track record is established, discussions can begin to consider broadening the partnership's scope. Start narrow and then broaden, building on success.
Partnership Tip 1 To CREATE a succesful partnership; the parties involved must clearly understand what partnering is, its implications and requirements; they should also see the partnership as a business strategy to improve their current contracting process. Partnering will only work for organisations that are culturally prepared to accept change. They must recognize that the up-front investment in preparing to partner will yield significant benefits throughout contract performance.
