Alliance Management is a Profession

A few years ago, I encountered a problem with a dripping water tap. Armed with the necessary tools and a spare rubber, I confidently turned off the main water supply, disassembled the tap, and replaced the worn-out rubber responsible for the incessant dripping. However, much to my surprise, when I turned the main supply back on, the tap started gushing water as if it had a mind of its own!

In my attempt to fix the tap, I had achieved the opposite result. After exhausting various potential solutions, I eventually decided to revert back to the original rubber. Now, of course, the tap continued to drip, and I found myself in need of a professional plumber to resolve the issue.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson; repairing a water tap is not as easy as it may seem, and plumbing requires the expertise of a professional.

This situation parallels a common mistake I often encounter when discussing alliances and partnerships with people. Many individuals mistakenly believe that collaboration within alliances comes naturally to us as human beings. They fail to recognise the importance of learning about collaboration and managing alliances effectively.

Unfortunately, such misconceptions often lead to failed alliances and strained relationships. While collaboration within alliances may appear straightforward, the truth is quite different! Establishing and maintaining successful alliances demands continuous effort from start to finish. Rarely will there be moments when you can simply sit back and watch the alliance thrive on its own. It requires constant attention, just like any relationship.

Indeed, alliances and partnerships are relationships, and we are well aware that relationships require constant nurturing. If we neglect or become complacent in our efforts, the risk of the relationship deteriorating becomes a real possibility, or in the worst-case scenario, the relationship may crumble completely.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper preparation, attentiveness, and nurturing, a relationship can flourish to the benefit of both partners. Alliance Management is a profession, and skilled Alliance Managers possess the knowledge and expertise to effectively prepare for alliances, manage them, and address any challenges that may arise along the way.

Like any other profession Alliance Management can be learned, amongst others, by attending the Alliance Accelerator Alliance Masterclass or the online course “Creating Successful Partnerships”. These courses will provide you with all the essentials of alliance management, ready to apply to your own situation and practice. After all, practice makes perfect!