How do you evaluate and improve your collaboration performance and satisfaction?

1 Set clear expectations

Before you start a collaboration, you need to define the purpose, scope, and outcomes of the partnership. You also need to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and contributions of each partner. A collaboration agreement template can help you document these aspects and create a shared vision and understanding. A collaboration agreement can also help you establish the governance, decision-making, and conflict resolution mechanisms for the partnership.

2 Monitor progress and feedback

Once you have a collaboration agreement, you need to track the progress and performance of the partnership. You can use indicators, such as outputs, outcomes, efficiency, and quality, to measure the results and impact of the collaboration. You can also collect feedback from the partners and stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, funders, and staff, to evaluate the satisfaction and engagement of the collaboration. You can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods to gather feedback and insights.

3 Communicate and coordinate

Communication and coordination are key to successful collaboration. You need to communicate regularly and effectively with your partners, using the channels and tools that suit your needs and preferences. You need to share information, updates, challenges, and successes, and listen to each other's perspectives and concerns. You also need to coordinate your actions and activities, aligning your schedules, budgets, and resources. You need to respect and trust each other, and acknowledge and appreciate each other's contributions.

4 Learn and adapt

Collaboration is a dynamic and complex process that requires constant learning and adaptation. You need to review and reflect on your collaboration performance and satisfaction periodically, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the partnership. You need to celebrate the achievements and recognize the challenges, and learn from the successes and failures. You also need to adapt your collaboration agreement, strategies, and practices as needed, based on the changing context, needs, and feedback.

5 Seek support and guidance

Collaboration can be challenging and stressful, especially if you encounter problems or conflicts with your partners. You may need to seek support and guidance from external sources, such as mentors, coaches, facilitators, mediators, or consultants. These experts can help you improve your collaboration skills, resolve disputes, or enhance your partnership. You can also seek support and guidance from your peers, colleagues, or networks, who may have similar or different experiences with collaboration.

6 Evaluate and improve your collaboration performance and satisfaction

Collaboration is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires evaluation and improvement. You need to assess your collaboration performance and satisfaction regularly, using the tips above, and make adjustments as necessary. You also need to document and share your collaboration lessons and best practices, and apply them to future partnerships. By doing so, you can increase your collaboration effectiveness and efficiency, and achieve your nonprofit goals and mission.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?