Putting the “I” back in Alliances

The following list was imbedded in an article “putting the I back in Alliances”   by Rosabeth Moss Canter, one of the better management thinkers around. It creates a simple list of things any successful alliance requires. Individual excellence: Both sides bring strengths and neither can be expected to prop up the other. Importance: The relationship must matter strategically to both sides. Interdependence: You need to need each other. Investment: Have a stake in the partner’s success. Information: Transparency strengthens the partnership; hiding information impedes trust. Integration: Create several points of contact across the organizations. Institutionalization: A formal structure can aid in objectivity and ensure the partnership works for both sides. Integrity: Trust is critical and ethics are a must.  In all the work I have done in alliance formation and management, there is no time when this list would not have been of value.