The crises, funding streams, or dynamic personalities that often start partnerships are not sufficient to sustain them long enough to produce the results they envision. Sustaining a partnership requires special attention to ten key indicators we've developed in our work with hundreds of partnerships nationwide. Our experience has shown that the presence of these indicators corresponds to a high degree of partnership performance over the long term.

Ten Key Indicators

1. Vision - Compelling touchstone, clearly articulated, held by all stakeholders, regularly revisited
2. Leadership - Bridges 'eagle' & 'mouse' perspectives; representative, shared, empowering, builds capacity
3. Relationships - Open & honest communication, trust respect; personal wellness, healthy environment
4. Plan - Comprehensive & coherent road map, backbone; strategic & focused, annual milestones
5. Infrastructure - Clear roles and responsibilities; procedures for bookkeeping, communication, decision making, etc.
6. Community Support - Building a broad base of awareness & understanding via effective public relations
7. Fund Development - Coherent plan, focus on relationships, broad base, diverse sources, well timed
8. Resources - (materials, space, people) match goals, multiple & diverse sources, mapping & cultivating community
9. Accountability -Monitor and measure progress, tangible accomplishments, short-term victories
10. Adaptability - Ongoing reflection, assessment, learning & change

We can use these ten Indicators to help your partnership:

• examine its current efforts and future plans, and assess these against the indicators
• identify strengths and determine how to reinforce them
• pinpoint weak areas and develop plans to shore them up

Of equal importance, we can design an inspiring and productive experience that brings partnership members together to strengthen their relationships, (re)kindle their enthusiasm, build momentum, and deepen their commitment -- all of which ensures that your partnership will thrive and achieve its goals.