The 3-point Checklist for a Smooth Sailing Partnership

Congratulations! 

After all the hard work, relationship building, and finalizing the scope and terms of your promising new partnership, it's time to make it come alive. 

In this article, we present a simple and effective checklist that ensures your partnership launches smoothly, stays on schedule, aligns everyone involved, and ultimately achieves your objectives.

Step 1: Get Everyone Aligned

Before diving into action, it's crucial to have a shared understanding of the partnership's objectives. Use the following checklist to ensure alignment:

1. Define the objectives of the partnership.

2. Envision the shared success and individual goals for each partner.

3. Establish clear timelines for different milestones.

4. Allocate responsibilities and determine who will handle what.

5. Establish guidelines for collaboration and cooperation.

Don't assume alignment; go through each point meticulously to prevent surprises down the line. Leaving any stone unturned could lead to choppy waters right from the start.

Conduct a comprehensive kick-off meeting where you review and confirm all these aspects before launching into the partnership.

Step 2: Foster Communication and Collaboration

Just like in any relationship, effective communication is key. With a dash of structure and a sprinkle of process, your partnership team will come together seamlessly. 

Consider the following practices:

• Conduct regular kick-off meetings to discuss the weekly plan. Monday mornings are often ideal for setting the tone.

• Hold brief mid-week reviews to address any risks, issues, and necessary actions.

• Keep track of progress through monthly reviews.

• Consider creating a dedicated Slack channel for the core partnership team.

To ensure transparency and accountability, maintain a simple spreadsheet that outlines tasks, ownership, and deadlines.

Facilitate open communication channels to keep everyone informed and aligned throughout the partnership journey.

Step 3: Celebrate Milestones, Big and Small

Building partnerships requires substantial effort, so it's essential to acknowledge and celebrate successes along the way. 

Remember, celebrations need not be extravagant; even small gestures can go a long way in boosting team morale. Consider these ideas:

• Recognise achievements on platforms like Slack or other internal communication tools.

• Plan regular social gatherings, either in-person or virtual, to foster team bonding.

• Be inclusive and mindful of diverse preferences when organizing celebrations.

• Remember, celebrating wins not only rewards hard work but also nurtures trust, transparency, and a unified team spirit.

Consider hosting an end-of-week or fortnightly social event to create a sense of camaraderie among the partnership teams.

Bringing It All Together

You've put in the groundwork to launch your partnership successfully, but the journey doesn't stop there. 

By following this simple checklist, you'll position yourself as a Partnerships Pro. 

For more practical tips, subscribe to our newsletter "Diary of a Partnerships Pro", tune in to our podcast "Game Set Match Up" featuring insightful interviews with leading partnerships experts, and explore our blog for valuable content.