The Collaboration Quotient

Assessing Readiness to Make Commitment

Imagine that you are the first party to identify an idea or project concept as a result of recognizing a need or a potential. However, you realize that you cannot undertake the initiative with the resources and expertise of your organization alone.

After conceiving the project and identifying a potential partner we should undertake a critical assessment of ourselves and the other party before moving forward to more formal planning and agreement making. Just because we have been a ready partner in the past does not mean that we are now, and the same applies to them.

Below is a CHECKLIST applicable to both organizations and individuals.

WHAT do you think is the minimum acceptable # out of 17 to proceed with a partnership?

WHY?

WHICH do you think are the 3 – 5 most important factors?

WHY?

“Studies have found that high impact non-profits work with and through organizations outside of themselves to create more impact than they could have achieved alone. They mobilize every sector of society – government, business, non-profit, and the public – to be a force for good.

“In other words, greatness has more to do with how they work outside the boundaries of their organization than with how they manage their own internal operations. The high impact non-profits are satisfied with building a ‘good enough’ organization and then
focusing their energy externally to catalyze large scale change.”

– From Power to Partnership – Creating the Future of Love, Work, and Community by Alfonso Montuori & Isabella Conti