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A template for evaluating a potential Strategic Alliance

Is the alliance worth pursing? Below is a list of ideas that you can cherry-pick from to start your thinking about what is required. 

1. Ask the potential partner to be explicit as to their primary and secondary objectives. Are they congruent with what you are hoping to achieve for your community?

2. What are their values? Are they in reasonable alignment with yours?

3. What do your instincts tell you about the quality of communication between you and the people that will be involved in directing and also implementing the actions involved in the alliance?

4. What do they want you to provide? Realistically can you deliver this?

5. What track record and experience do they have of working in an alliance? Do they give contact details for references that you can follow-up?

6. How do they define an alliance? Does their definition show insight as to the difference between co-operation and collaboration in terms of the nature of the relationship and resource required?

7. How do your members and the community you represent view this potential partner? What is their reputation in the press? Research is required here.

8. What are the alternatives? Could any other organization provide what they are offering? How easy will it be to explain to your members why you decided to go with this organization?

9. Is there a strategic fit?

10. How do your CEO’s get  on with each other? Is the dialogue open, frank and friendly?

11. Are there any resource or skills gaps? Will other organizations be required to make the alliance successful?

12. Is the proposed timeframe realistic? Is it open ended or closed?

13. How will the alliance be managed and nurtured on a day-to-day basis?

14. What options are there to test the relationship on a smaller scale before full committal so you can get to know each other?

NB: Remember that you will need to build respect, trust and mutual enjoyment for an effective alliance.