Building successful partnerships
Abstract
A collaboration can often reach more people than a single organization, but sometimes each of the participating groups will inadvertently focus on its own interests and agendas. This practice suggests identifying mutually desired results to unite and focus participants from the start. Also suggested is creating measurable goals and an open forum for continued evaluation. Includes resource directory. Excerpted from AmeriCorps*VISTA Source Summer, 1998.Issue
What are some of the keys to successful collaborations?Action
Here are a few brief points to help make the most of community resources and collaborations:- Formulate a vision early in the process and remind people of it constantly. If people aren't clear about why they are sitting through a three-hour meeting, you have already lost them. Having a clear vision allows participants to see the long-term goal, as well as how their particular organization fits into that goal. This is especially important in getting participants to come for the next meeting or activity.
- Develop a common understanding of the issues and the participants. If everyone is on the same page from the beginning, the process will move more smoothly. It is important to have everyone up to speed concerning the issues at hand, as well as which organizations are represented and how they plan to contribute to the collaboration. There are endless icebreaker activities that can shed light on who is who and why they are there. Brief presentations from each organization may also help the group understand the project and available resources.
- Create ownership among participants. Before the group moves forward, develop a consensus around common beliefs and ground rules. Creating ownership is a way to bring the collaborating organizations together and see themselves as one, as opposed to many. Getting everyone involved in projects and events and delegating specific tasks to people can help create this feeling of ownership.
- Seek common ground and act. Finding areas of agreement is not always easy, especially when collaborating with a variety of organizations, all of whom have their own ideas and agendas. Start by identifying mutual interests in the project at hand. Ask everyone to focus on a mutually desired result. Not only will this make action quicker and easier, but it will also build trust, reduce anxiety, and encourage open communication among participants. If and when tensions start to build, take a minute and revisit your vision. Remind everyone why they are there, whom they are serving, and who will benefit from the work they are doing. Creating short-term, measurable goals is a way to ensure that the group is able to seek common ground, take quick action, and remain focused.
- Stop occasionally and evaluate the process. Don't be afraid to stop and ask, " How are we doing?" Evaluating the process gives participants a chance to openly voice opinions about the direction of your meetings. Not only does this put a magnifying glass on the process you are using and how successful it is, but it also gives the opportunity to check in with participants to determine how they are feeling about what is taking place. Create an environment where people are comfortable being open about what is working and what may need to be changed in the future. Let participants know from the beginning that evaluation will be a part of the process.
- Be patient and have some fun. There is no single way to create a successful collaboration. Remember to be patient and flexible. Also, don't be afraid to have fun and enjoy the people with whom you are working. We can all learn so much from each other if we remain open and positive. If you have fun and enjoy the people involved in the collaboration, it won't seem like work at all.
Citation
Huff, Andrew. "Keys to Building Successful Partnerships." AmeriCorps*VISTA Source. Issue 4. (Summer, 1998)Posted On
November 27, 2000Resources
Marressich, Paul W. and Barbara R. Monsey. Collaboration: What Makes it Work: A Review of Research and Literature on Factors Influencing Successful Collaboration. St. Paul, Minnesota: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, 1992.
Winer, Michael and Karen Ray. Collaboration Handbook: Creating, Sustaining, and Enjoying the Journey. St. Paul, Minnesota: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, 1994.
Programs funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service can access and borrow numerous resources from the lending library of The Resource Center in the areas of collaboration, icebreaker activities, sustainability, and others.
Phone: 1-800-860-2684, ext. 260
E-mail: rc-library@etr.org
Website: http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/publications/search_library/index.php