- Humility- As simple as it seems, the first step in establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships is humility- admitting you can’t do it by yourself. For example, Outreach does not have a boots-on-the-ground presence in the Philippines so we needed someone to partner with us in the distribution of the meals.
- Pointing the spotlight on others- When I wrote the press release, Floyd encouraged me to focus more on the efforts of the other partners involved. Building and maintaining strategic partnerships require the ability to let others share, or even get, most of the limelight.
- Helping other groups accomplish their objectives – Rotary International was a key partner in this effort and one of the Rotary goals, as an organization, is to connect Rotary Clubs from one country to another. Floyd is a Rotarian and several Rotary Clubs from the US were part of this effort. Furthermore, several Rotary Clubs in the Philippines will aid in the distribution of the meals. It’s easy to gain a partner when you understand what that partner needs in order to accomplish their goals and objectives.
- The importance of communication- Rapid response to emails and phone calls played an important part of this process. As we built new partnerships, I was surprised at how quickly some responded to our queries. Not surprisingly, those who responded the most slowly – if at all- were government agencies.
- Vision for further collaboration- When things work well, it’s important to strategize about future engagement. Success breeds more success and good leaders will continue to build upon previous accomplishments. Floyd had a suggestion ready in pocket when Rotarians asked, “Okay, what do we do next?”
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