Partnership health checks are comprehensive assessments designed to evaluate the effectiveness of how partners work together. They go beyond examining what a partnership does, focusing instead on how it operates; typically involving a mix of desktop research, surveys, in-depth interviews, and collaborative workshops. They aim to reaffirm the fundamental aspects of the partnership – its vision, mission, and collaborative advantage – while uncovering any tensions or issues in a constructive, non-confrontational manner. By providing a neutral, third-party facilitated process, health checks help partners understand each other’s perspectives, identify misunderstandings, highlight areas of alignment, and develop strategies to address challenges.
Why are partnership health checks needed?
Building a partnership is like constructing a house. First, you need the right team. You scout for skilled partners, each bringing something unique to the table. Then comes the blueprint – your shared vision and goals. This planning stage is crucial, but it’s just the beginning. The real work starts when you’re living in that house. Suddenly, you’re dealing with leaky roofs, noisy neighbours, and that one creaky floorboard. That’s partnership maintenance. It’s about fixing problems as they arise, making improvements, and sometimes even remodelling entirely. The strongest partnerships, like the sturdiest houses, don’t just happen. They’re built with care and kept standing through constant attention and teamwork.
Without constant maintenance, problems arise. Power imbalances can breed resentment, inefficient work processes can stifle progress, mismanagement can erode trust, and a failure to deliver equitable value can leave partners disengaged. These challenges, often subtle at first, can gradually undermine the foundation of any partnership, threatening its very existence.
This is where partnership health checks emerge as a vital tool in the collaborative toolkit. Far more than a simple diagnostic measure, these checks serve as a proactive safeguard against partnership deterioration. They act as an early warning system, detecting subtle shifts in dynamics before they escalate into critical issues.
Aside from detecting issues with the partnership, health checks offer stakeholders a chance to acknowledge and learn from areas of the partnership that excel, acting as a catalyst for continuous improvement and ensuring that partnerships not only survive but thrive in the face of evolving challenges.
The partnership health check process
Who are partnership health checks for?
Partnership Health Checks are valuable tools for anyone involved in collaborative ventures, from small NGOs to large corporations. Whether you’re managing external alliances or internal team collaborations, these checks help you:
- Assess your partnership’s effectiveness
- Identify areas for improvement
- Ensure mutual value creation
Perfect for both partnership newcomers and seasoned professionals, our Health Checks provide insights that drive success across all sectors and experience levels.
How can TPI help?
What do previous clients say?
