Chris Parmenter Colin Rosecbp804@mun.ca cjr788@mun.ca

Source: Google Images

Contents What is partnership development Different process’ Why choose a partnership? First step What to propose Starting the partnership Challenges and obstacles:

• External• Internal

Implementation Evaluation Projects end Tips

What is Partnership Development?

The coming together of one or more individuals, organizations, or company groups to work together on a mutually beneficially project.

Built on trust, loyalty, sharing of knowledge, cooperation and integration between partners.

Partners recognize a problem, then explore ideas, agree on a solution and action is taken by all parties.

Different Processes

Source: Ros Tennyson. (2003) The Partnering Toolbook.

Why A Partnership? Partnerships are developed because

groups may need:

Resources Funds Experience Knowledge Labor work Equipment Resolution of a mutual problem Expanding networks Innovative approaches Etc.

What Then?

Your group will determine that a partnership is beneficial

Search for possible prospects Research what you need in a partner

and what groups can meet these requirements

Select potential partners Establish initial meetings for proposal

What To Propose?

In a partnership proposal, you are appealing to the other group, because you need what they have to offer. Keeping this in mind, some things that should be presented is the equity, transparency and mutual benefit that a partnership would bring.

Equity – Each partner contributes as a whole and every contribution is valued.

Transparency – Both parties are completely open and honest with each other, with absolutely no hidden agendas.

Mutual Benefit – Each partner benefits from each other and gain value.

Source: Google images

Did They Accept? If all went well and you now have a

newly formed partnership, what do you do then?

Both parties should come together, and make their own phase/step plan as to what should come next. This should also go over what has to be done, and who will do what, as well as what challenges they may face.

Challenges and Obstacles

These can be categorized in two ways: External Internal

Source: Google images

External

The public can be a huge challenge, especially when doing a community project, sometimes having the community’s support will make or break a project.

Natural forces could alter efforts, e.g. depletion of resources or natural disasters.

Political problems.

Internal Disagreements Unclear roles Lack of involvement Loss of funding Hidden agendas Lack of cooperation Breaking agreements

There are many things that could go wrong internally. This is why a partnership has to be looked after and always maintained.

Overcoming Challenges Identify each partners desired outcomes along with

partnership outcomes. Record them and refer back as needed.

Create a written and signed agreement identifying each partners contribution, roles, responsibilities, intended outcomes, time lines, and communication plans help keep things on track. This provides transparency and accountability.

Hire or appoint a partnership broker responsible for keeping the progress moving.

Include all members in resolving challenges rather than the chair or broker resolving it for them.

Implementing!

After both parties have met and a common agenda has been agreed upon, the next step is to start in on the project at hand! Things that may help the process:

Groups in charge of different sectors. Set up a timeline. Constant contact and updates!

Evaluation

After all is done and the project is well under way, some may think, that’s it, we’re done. Wrong. Constant evaluation of the project and the partnership are essential. What if something goes wrong and a different approach needs to be taken? What if the partnership starts to falter? These things need to be continuously accessed and maintained.

What Now? After a project is completed, what should

you do? Keep the partnership, terminate it?

If the parties agree that there is still benefits to staying together then do so, if not, terminate, but always keep in mind that there may be a future partnership, so keep a good reputation and stay on good terms.

Small Tips Have management involved Accept all ideas! Constant communication Frequent meetings Do not end a partnership on bad terms

References and Resources

Tennyson, R. (2003). “The Partnering Toolbook”. IBLF & GAIN.

Halper, E. (2009). “Moving On: Effective Management for Partnership Transitions, Transformations and Exits”. IBLF.

Unknown. (2007). “Partnership Self-Assessment Tool”. CACSH. Retrieved from http://partnershiptool.net/

European Commission. (2005). “Partnership Development Toolkit.” Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/equal/data/document/pdtoolkit_en.pdf

Thank You!