Collaborative Relationships

 

How to measure and develop collaborative relationships

 

Best Practice Model | Step 1 - Familarisation | Step 2 - Vision | Step 3 - Measurement | Step 4 - Action Plan | Case Studies

 

Step Four: Action Plan

 

Agree to commit to action that will deliver these KPIs and embed relationship development and sucess in project plans

 

The final step is to be sure to define exactly what needs to be done and commit to action. This does not need to involve a large complex project plan – if the preceding three steps have been completed effectively, the few simple actions that will contribute most to improving relationships and project performance will have been identified.

 

Questions include:

1. What actions follow from the approaches defined in step 2?
2. What actions follow from measurement in step 3?
3. Which actions are the most important?
   A good way to prioritise actions is on a 2 by 2 matrix comparing impact of actions with cost/difficulty of actions. The highest impact/lowest cost actions are the ones to go for first as they deliver quick wins
4. Who is going to take responsibility and by when?
   Sometimes this will be individual responsibility and sometimes for a team e.g., “review 360° feedback at July project board meeting”
5. How will these actions be managed and reported?
   The best way is to embed them in existing project plans so that they become part of the life blood of the project – not a stand alone list that can too easily be put in a drawer and forgotten.

Step 4 Example: Process for Committing to Action

 

1. Construct a request	2. Make the request	3. Obtain a commitment	4. Conduct a follow-up
To Whom? Specfically what? By When?	Be Clear and direct Be Succinct Ensure It's Heard	Accept/Promise Decline Counter-Offer Contigent Promise Promise to Promise	Requester Accountable Both Parties Responsible Handle Breakdowns Acknowledge Accomplishments