Establishing a Strategic Partnership

Establishing a strategic partnership starts/stops with the people "at the table".
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Success comes from the recognition that it is important to establish a collaborative working environment and trust BEFORE the terms of a partnership agreement are negotiated.
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Without the "right people at the table", there is high likelihood that you will miss the importance and key success factors of:

a) establishing executive sponsorship and support
b) identifying mutual objectives and/or complementary goals
c) solidifying baseline expectations for the operating environment (post go-live) including how to manage conflict
d) maintaining a positive and active focus on the partnership

As a leader, if you follow these steps, you and your team will be in a much stronger position to ensure the long term success of the partnership you have established.

For a great example of a strategic partnership, click the link in the comments below.