Two Ways to Increase Partner Productivity

Partners who are more engaged in the partnership also tend to be more productive.  They seem to get more done in less time, with less stress.  And they are able to focus on getting priorities done first.  So what’s their secret?

Partners who are both engaged and productive are very clear on the priorities of the partnership, and they are able to turn priorities into objectives and goals that have specific actions and deadlines.  They are able to keep their engagement and focus at an optimal level, and connect what they are doing to the overall vision and priorities of the partnership.

Productive Partners Know That:

• Small goals need to be accomplished in smaller time frames.
• Big goals need to be accomplished in bigger time frames.
• Small goals given bigger time frames leads to performance plateaus and boredom.
• Big goals given smaller time frames leads to stress and burnout.

What can you do to increase the productivity of your partners?

1. Find out how well each partner understands the priorities of the partnership.

Do they agree with the priorities? At the start of a partnership, your partners may have been clear on the priorities and in agreement.  However, have the priorities changed over time? Do they need to be clarified, changed, or new ones added?

2. Ask partners about the specific actions they are engaged in.

If you check in with partners about their progress and productivity generically (“How are things going?”), you will likely get a generic answer (“Things are going OK.”).  Their generic response doesn’t give you the information you need to assess their productivity, including how well they understand the partnership’s priorities, if their objectives and goals match, or if the timelines are appropriate.

3. Ask – What is your organization’s Partnership Strategy? 

If increasing partner productivity is at the top of your to do list, having a Partnership strategy is a fundamental key to your success.

You know how important productive partnerships are to the success of your organization, but you can’t increase the performance of a partner who isn’t engaged.

Do you know how your partners feel about your contribution to their goals? Do you know if the partnership is actually moving your organization forward?

If you’re frustrated by a lack of partner engagement, shrinking resources or poor communication, you need an assessment tool.

Without the right tools and information it can be difficult to determine whether or not you have developed strategic partnerships that will actually move your business or cause forward.

Anticipated Results

• Once you have earned the trust of your partners, you will be able to ask them more specific questions about their productivity, such as: “What actions are you taking to increase our profitability?”

•  When partners feel they can trust you, they are more likely to come to you with issues related to productivity before they become problems.

•  By fostering an environment where it is safe to share (free from fear of judgement or consequences), partners are also more likely to ask for help before they need it.  And, they will be more engaged in creatively and strategically finding more efficient ways to meet the partnership’s priorities.

Purposeful Partnering!