Establishing Partnerships
Examples
of Effective Partnerships | Appendix
Summary
This guidebook has presented you with tools to help you establish effective partnerships and enhance your level of understanding regarding the need for and process of partnership development. When you are considering developing a potential partnership, examine your organization, as well as your potential partners, with the following key points in mind:
- Leadership
Clear and focused leadership is essential, as one organization will generally take the lead on managing the process. You must have trust in their ability to lead effectively and honestly.
- Common Understanding
A common understanding of the framework and approach of partner organizations, as well as individual members’ roles and responsibilities, needs to exist.
- Purpose
A shared common vision and purpose that builds trust, enhances openness and recognizes the value and contribution of all members needs to exist within the organizations and between the partners.
- Culture and Values
Ensure that you discuss the values and the cultures of your organizations so you are able to identify strengths and weaknesses and work around them.
- Learning and Development
Both individuals and organizations must promote learning within the partnership through flexible management, a spirit of facilitation, participation and the desire to invest in partner skills, knowledge and competence.
- Communication
Outline strong feedback loops within the partnership from the beginning of the relationship to enhance communication on all levels.
- Performance Management
Evaluation and assessment must ensure that those responsible for the delivery of established targets follow through and that the partnership structure meets the needs of your organizations.
Examples
of Effective Partnerships | Appendix