General characteristics of
successful partnerships
At the heart of collaborative working there is usually the desire to raise standards, promote inclusion, find new ways of approaching teaching and learning, and build capacity. Working collaboratively often involves change. Most successful partnerships have some common characteristics such as:
- commitment from senior managers from all partnership organisations/members
- strong local leadership, particularly at the outset to encourage project development
- agreeing a common vision with clear aims and objectives
- good planning, management and organisation
- effective team work
- excellent communication strategies
- ability to solve problems and find creative solutions
- effective strategies for managing change.
As with any successful team the composition of the group will influence how effectively it works. When setting up a partnership it is important to ensure the right balance of skills and knowledge and that there are group members with the skills to lead and motivate as well as to manage tensions.
The representatives of the different organisations in the partnership also need to have the autonomy to make decisions on behalf of the organisation. In the early days of a partnership's life it is important to clarify the mutual vision, targets, roles and responsibilities and to establish what each partner hopes to achieve for their own organisation as well as for the partnership. It takes time for partners to establish trust and develop into a mature partnership with sharing of good practice, effective communication arrangements and working systems and procedures.
Related links
Find examples of change-management tools: