Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Since the MITA Brain Based Center values partners in leading change … we often consider what creates or breaks a lasting alliance. Perhaps I should admit my bias upfront … since we’ve had many years of the most amazing alliances out there.

I’d like to roll out 5 components for mutually beneficial alliances we’ve enjoyed most:

1. Partner with leaders you trust. It is not enough to respect team players. The  leader is key – and can make or break an alliance. Together you’ll leapfrog over challenges far faster … when trustworthiness helps to create initial leadership alliances.

2. State financial facts up front. While willing to work with others to procure funds that launch joint projects – we tend to name financial expectations up front. That practice ensures funds available to run the MITA Center while we give our attention to running with joint projects for mutual benefits. Name specific costs and benefits– and these finances tend to follow as a result.

3. Plan ahead and then make meeting times and deadlines stick. Arrive on time and come ready to roll. That requires extra planning on your part – but without that reliability– the collaboration is bound to fail. Why so? Key partners tend to be very busy and committed leaders. Here at the MITA Center, for instance … we block out new contracts rather than break former commitments. So, on the odd occasion … when an  ally cancels at the last minute …  we’ve lost a major day’s salary or had turned down another contract opportunity to be there. Yikes – you have the picture!

4. Create an adventure that taps multiple intelligences of all players. Some call it buy-in … but I call it jump-in. There’s a difference. The idea is to hook the project vision meaningfully … onto  unique talents of every player. Watch how players on all sides take active parts … when leaders link people's skills to overall project targets.  Each meaningful connection also fuels more lasting alliances.

5. Track and share your results along the way. The very process of communicating results …  adds to the momentum ... and often leads to excellent outcomes. Don’t wait until a project ends though. We tend to ask key questions from day one … to anticipate and share results. Questions such as … What was the problem addressed? … How was the problem met? … Who did what along the way and with what results? … What challenges were encountered and how were these overcome? ... Oh, and don't forget to ask ... Where to from here?

Here are a few sites that might ratchet up your next alliance:

1. Create winning partnerships
2. Corporate partnering Institute
3. Alliance Management Group
4. Alliance Leadership for Corporate Performance
5. Alliance Strategy Tools

We’d love to hear what resources and experiences worked for your best alliances?