Developing Shared Goals
For any partnership to be successful, it is important that it is based on trust, shared goals and mutual understanding. These don't come instantly. You and your partners need to prove to each other, over time, that: you do deliver on your promises; you are committed to a long term, sustainable relationship and will not sell each other out for short term gain; you are willing to share information of mutual interest, and are working towards the same shared goals (i.e. ultimately satisfying the consumer).
Many partnerships start off by tackling one shared issue and if that joint working is successful for both/all parties, the collaborative relationship starts to develop.
Learn how a number of Scottish companies, including a group of Argyll Food producers; Mackie's and Taypack; the David Sands retail business and Stephens Bakers; and three transport and logistics companies, Highland Thermo Logistics, Long Lane Deliveries and Waltons of Oban, have developed shared goals as part of their collaborative working arrangements.
Key points from this case study:
- a similar pedigree and values can be very important to a collaborative relationship
- both parties must be able to see a clear opportunity for growth
- a willingness to learn from each other is important
- trust and openness are essential to maximising the opportunity
Download the full case study as a PDF
