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What it Takes for Managers to Partner

The underlying principles of partnering are:

Trust:
Partners feel comfortable with each other and know they can count on each other.

Respect:
Partners interact professionally and put personal differences aside; they focus on what the business needs from each of them.

Integrity:
Each partner must follow through on commitments and work toward meeting agreed-upon goals, milestones, objectives and deadlines.

The Ingredients of Effective Partnerships
Whether change occurs through solving problems or through seizing opportunities, partners can only be as successful in these activities as they are in their partnerships. Effective partnerships have the following three main ingredients:

• Vision
• Commitment
• Action

VISION is a clear picture of what can be. It creates the forward focus necessary for an empowered team. It motivates people to act and fosters creative thinking. Without vision, long-term goals become vague and short-term goals are activity - oriented with little or no consideration given to the "big picture." You can invent the future or let it happen by accident. You make the choice.

COMMITMENT is the internal decision a person makes when he or she says, "I see the need for this change, I believe in it and I will make it work." It is a personal and individual choice. Research has shown that the more involved, informed and appreciated people are, the more likely they are to commit to the goal. Lack of commitment among coworkers will send any vision spinning out of control.

ACTION is the carrying out of a process initiated by clear vision and supported and developed through solid commitment. Action also involves the planning, monitoring and adjusting is necessary to keep the vision in sight and to ensure that all efforts are directed toward it.

As a manager, you are in a position to create an environment where people feel appreciated and valued for what they do and who they are. Therefore, they are more willing to commit to the vision and take action to make the vision a reality. Here's a Partnering Tool you can use to assist you in building stronger partnerships.

This article may be reprinted for your use in an organizational newsletter and or e-zine provided that you contact Kelly Hanna, Director of Sales and Marketing at 724-942-7900 to gain permission.

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