The Partnership Playbook: Identifying red flags in a community partnership
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EmailCommunity partnerships can expand the reach of programs like 4-H and other youth development programs. But what if a partnership isn’t working? How do you spot red flags in your professional relationships?
A community partnership refers to a collaborative relationship between a group of people or organizations working together to achieve a common goal. The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments identifies partnerships as a shared responsibility and reciprocal process where community agencies, organizations and schools collaborate to support child development and learning.
When built on a strong mission and goal, partnerships enhance programming. But not all community partnerships are beneficial to your program. Let’s explore some red flags that might prompt deeper conversation or even signal it’s time to end the partnership.
Red flags
- Misaligned goals
- When two organizations no longer share the same vision or objective, it can be difficult to continue working together effectively. This challenge can result in conflicting priorities, efforts that pull in opposite directions or uneven workloads.
- Lack of results
- A partnership should be valuable to both parties. If the partnership isn’t producing the intended outcome as identified in the partnership goals (such as increased reach, improved services or community impact), it may be time to reevaluate its value.
- Resource constraints
- Even strong partnerships may struggle if the demand is more than the supply. When resources such as time, money or personnel are limited and unsustainable, it may be a sign to reconsider the relationship.
- Communication issues
- Open, consistent communication is the foundation of any strong partnership and clear and consistent communication is vital to an effective community partnership. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, frustration and a breakdown in trust or progress. Persistent misunderstandings, lack of follow-through or poor communication habits can erode trust and stall progress. If communication continues to struggle despite efforts otherwise, it may signal deeper issues.
- Change in priorities
- As programs evolve, missions and strategies may change. If either organization shifts focus or priorities, the partnership may no longer be mutually beneficial, signaling it may no longer be the right fit.
Community partnerships can be powerful tools for increasing the reach of your program. But like any relationship, not all partnerships are meant to last. They may evolve or come to a natural close, and that’s OK! Recognizing red flags early in a community partnership allows parties to have meaningful, honest conversations about how to preserve the integrity of the project. This may lead to a renewed commitment or perhaps a parting of ways. In the end, it’s not just about working together, it’s about building partnerships that truly work.
Michigan State University Extension relies heavily on community partnerships to increase the reach of the work we do. For more information about partnering with MSU Extension in your community, contact your local 4-H program coordinator.
To learn more about community partnerships, check out the rest of the Partnership Playbook series:
- The Partnership Playbook: How partnerships make youth programs better!
- The Partnership Playbook: Types of partnerships
- The Partnership Playbook: Initiating a partnership
- The Partnership Playbook: Building a strong foundation with partners
- The Partnership Playbook: Driving successful partnerships through goal setting
- The Partnership Playbook: Continuous evaluation and improvement
