How to build solid partnerships from the start?

How do you get off to a good start with positive partnering?

There isn't a perfect way to convene a partnership, but there are some actions that will help. Try these ideas!

1. Invite all potential partners to the first meeting.

2. Choose a neutral location not belonging to any partner attending.

3. Don't arrive with pre-planned outcomes.

4. Be sure to have a person who has facilitation skills.

5. Don't represent the viewpoint of one partner.

6. Set up the room so everyone is looking at each other.

7. If any potential partner has more than one attendee, suggest they sit separately.

8. If one or more potential partners are essential to the process, set a date that suits them.

9. If someone needed in the meeting is likely to be contentious, speak to them beforehand so you understand their issues.

10. If there are one or more subjects that need addressing, don't save them for last.

11. Be as low in profile as possible – you are serving, not leading. If potential partners feel you are doing this to make yourself important, the partnership is unlikely to succeed.

We can learn so much from our mistakes. As I look back on my ministry and ask why some partnerships didn’t work, I realize that many of the key principles listed above were overlooked or ignored in my initial meetings.

Scripture to ponder–Philemon 1:17

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

Key Lesson: Building impactful partnerships in your community, city, or country requires individual and group trust-building time. Be a neutral champion for the process, not for a pre-determined outcome.