Partnering is a process that combines team building, visioning, strategic planning, and innovative conflict resolution techniques. It affords organizations opportunities for positive collaborative relationships that may offer them a way to maximize effectiveness and create competitive advantage in the marketplace.
In this article, the partnering process is discussed in such a way so as to provide a “how-to” approach for any manager wishing to use the process. Partnering is defined, steps in the process are explained, vulnerabilities are listed, and applications are explored.