Successful partnerships

The following factors for success emerge from surveys of partnerships, and workshops of practitioners involved in creating and running partnerships:

• Agreement that a partnership is necessary.
• Respect and trust between different interests.
• The leadership of a respected individual or individuals.
• Commitment of key interests developed through a clear and open process.
• The development of a shared vision of what might be achieved.
• Time to build the partnership.
• Shared mandates or agendas.
• The development of compatible ways of working, and flexibility.
• Good communication, perhaps aided by a facilitator.
• Collaborative decision-making, with a commitment to achieving consensus.
• Effective organisational management.

Failed partnership

The following are characteristics of failed attempts at partnership, or warnings that something is going wrong:

• A history of conflict among key interests.
• One partner manipulates or dominates.
• Lack of clear purpose.
• Unrealistic goals.
• Differences of philosophy and ways of working.
• Lack of communication.
• Unequal and unacceptable balance of power and control.
• Key interests missing from the partnership.
• Hidden agendas.
• Financial and time commitments outweigh the potential benefits.

learn more .... click here