What do you do if your executive team struggles to communicate and collaborate with partners?

Review meetings help big time!! Being on the same plane is fundamental for any kind of association or partnership. Having had defined the mutual objectives, and executing those objectives into reality, it is essential to discern a way to exchange views on the same which can be achieved through weekly/monthly/quarterly review meetings which lead to a better understanding amongst the parties involved and help bridge the gaps if any.

We have to first identify the issues or root causes, otherwise we won’t be in a position to resolve that and improve the situation with the partners and stakeholders. Remember, to work effectively with stakeholders, be accessible, respectful, timely, clear in your communication, and dependable. The follow are mistakes that are often made when dealing with stakeholders: Inadequate access Lack of clarity No energy to response Too little, too late Perception of arrogance. Effective communication is a critical goal in the Operation Phase of a collaborative partnership. Perceptions are important. The Facilitator must therefore “keep the lamps burning” and the “music playing” by fostering frequent, interactive communications.

When faced with challenges in executive team communication and collaboration with partners, the first step is to identify the underlying issues. I proactively seek to understand the root causes of any communication barriers or collaboration roadblocks by engaging in open dialogue with both internal stakeholders and external partners.

Clear expectations are essential for effective communication and collaboration. I work with the executive team to establish transparent communication protocols and define clear expectations for engagement with partners. By aligning everyone on common goals and communication norms, we can foster more productive interactions and strengthen partnerships.

I recognize the importance of equipping the executive team with the necessary skills to communicate and collaborate effectively with partners. Through targeted training sessions, workshops, and coaching, I help team members develop essential communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Investing in skill development empowers the executive team to navigate complex partnership dynamics with confidence and competence

1.Communication We need to be skilled in communicating during the negotiation and afterwards. 2.Empathy It is the ability to share someone else's feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in that person's situation. 3.Strategic thinking To be successful, we need to have a strong understanding of our company’s objectives as well as its strengths and weaknesses. 4.Analytical mindset Having an analytical mindset is crucial when it comes to managing partnerships. 5.Creativity The best strategic partnerships are those that involve thinking outside of the box. 6.Organisational It probably goes without saying that you’ll need to be organised. 7.Ability to prioritise 8.Ability to thrive in fast-paced environment

Technology can play a crucial role in enhancing communication and collaboration efforts. I explore digital collaboration tools and platforms that facilitate seamless communication, document sharing, and project management among internal teams and external partners. By leveraging technology effectively, we can overcome geographical barriers and streamline collaboration processes.

Trust is the foundation of successful partnerships. I prioritize building and nurturing trust-based relationships with partners by demonstrating integrity, reliability, and transparency in all interactions. I encourage the executive team to prioritize building trust through open communication, delivering on commitments, and actively listening to partners' needs and concerns.

Principles: 1. Assume good intentions- Don’t jump to conclusions about the other person’s actions, going immediately to a place of fear or distrust. 2. Create a safe, honest space for trust to grow- This requires time and regular moments that build stability, history and joy. 3. Be transparent and clear- It’s easier to be honest and open when you design for transparency. 4. Make hard conversations the norm 5. Allow mistakes to build trust 6. Watch your body language- Rolling your eyes or turning your back when someone is talking to you can be all it takes to undermine trust. 7. Trust yourself- Enduring trust with someone else is impossible unless you already have that kind of trust in yourself.