The smaller the professional staff and the greater the involvement of volunteers, the more successful the project. Membership coalitions tend to be more productive than staff-heavy partnerships. Let a thousand flowers bloom. Different issues require different types of partnerships. Openness to the leadership needs of the project is key.
Equal partnership is the goal.
Define success before you start. To work effectively, partnerships must translate their broader goals into measurable, interim targets and time frames. All partners must be committed to the shared mission and objectives before taking the first step. Put your partner first. Building effective cross-sector partnerships is perhaps our most perplexing economic and social puzzle.