Back in January, I had the opportunity to represent my client partner, the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), at an allied hand-surgery conference in Nassau, Bahamas. Yes, I know, tough gig for January.
I admit an occasional fleeting thought about hot sun, blue water, and warm sand. However, once aboard the plane, I refocused my attention on the main goal at hand — fostering organizational collaboration.
In the face of increased competition, associations are seeking strategic alliances to leverage resources and maximize member value. Associations find benefit in sharing the field with others — from advocacy, to content and program development.
Following are some steps to consider when developing an organizational alliance:
- Define a clear goal: Identify the long- and short-range goals of the collaboration. Acknowledge the ‘sweet spot’ each association brings to the table, and recognize that the overarching goal is to achieve something together you would not be able to achieve alone.
- Discuss organizational cultures: Evaluate differing approaches to strategic and budget planning, decision making, and management styles that could inhibit the success of the alliance.
- Obtain buy-in: Secure the commitment of the chief elected officer, board members, and chief staff executive among the associations. These leaders should reinforce the benefits of the collaboration with their respective members and key stakeholders.
- Determine metrics and measures: Define what constitutes success. Establish ways to monitor performance and provide feedback. Identify barriers to success, and seek ways to streamline operations.
- Create a positive climate: View your peers as partners, not just competitors. Seek consensus when conflicts arise. Establish a communications protocol that will allow team members a venue for discussing project issues in a relaxed environment.
Successful associations scan and plan for the competitive landscape among organizations with similar interests. As such, these associations explore ways to expand on existing relationships, and make deliberate efforts to build new alliances that advance mission and vision for the future.
