How to build and sustain productive alliances

Like any intimate relationship, it takes commitment and ongoing effort to sustain and get the most out alliance relationships. Following are some of the keys to building and maintaining effective alliances.

• Commitment and engagement from leadership and throughout your organization.
• Ongoing internal education and institutional learning
• Shared values between partners
• Genuine commitment to shared goals, appropriate “load sharing,” and mutual benefit
• Compatible organizational structures and cultures.
• Clear, shared performance measures
• Clear, coordinated, and effective management
• Open and effective communication and conflict management practices
• An active entrepreneurial spirit throughout the program
• Ongoing refinement and “refreshing” of the program and the relationships
• Actions consistent with commitment and intentions