Forging Links

Working closely with another group invariably has its pitfalls.

If you consider entering into a relationship with another organization to realize your strategy, you need to be sure that you will be gaining at least as much as you are giving, and that you are gaining something that you could not have achieved alone. Working closely with another group invariably has its pitfalls.

You will be sharing potentially valuable knowledge with them, so you must consider where the boundaries of cooperation will lie, and how you will keep them secure. Where will power lie within the relationship? Is there a sense of equality, or will you partner wish to dominate? Is there enough trust and respect between you to enable an effective working relationship?

ACTION POINT: When working with others understand exactly what you will be giving and getting out of the partnership.