Best Friends Forever? Don’t Be a Naive or Disappointed Partner
Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
By By Erin Gloeckner
At some point in our childhood, many of us share a ‘best friends’ gift with another person. For me, it was a set of necklaces that fit together like puzzle pieces. One necklace belonged to me, and the other belonged to my best friend. They were cheap and shiny, and I imagined us wearing them well into old age. Ironically, just a few months passed and my ‘best friend’ lost her necklace. It was probably the first time in my life that I felt like a chump. I had made an agreement with that girl to be best friends forever, and she dumped me for a new friend with prettier necklaces. Entering any kind of partnership is risky; it’s simply impossible to predict how things will turn out. Here are some partnering tips that should help you hang on to your nonprofit’s shiny reputation and assets.
- Conflict happens: Many partnerships begin with mutual admiration and a sense of being “in sync.” But when two independent organizations join forces for a common cause, their leaders may not see eye to eye… all of the time. As you begin the vetting process and proceed with a courtship, take the time to discuss how conflicts or conflicting points of view will be addressed. Are you committed to airing your concerns directly with your partner?
- Come out and say it!: Ever had that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know someone is taking advantage of you? It’s a pretty bad feeling. The best way to address that feeling is to stand up and speak up. If a partner tries to manipulate you, candidly tell them that you are not happy with the arrangement. Don’t stay silent to keep from offending your partner. A good partner will consider your needs and invite open communication.
- Choose wisely: Rather than rushing into a relationship believing that your partner is perfect, take the time required to conduct some due diligence. Learn all you can about the organization you will be calling “partner.” Remember that your nonprofit’s shiny reputation could be impacted positively… or negatively, as a result of the partnership. Check references! Ask for contact information from organizations that can attest to your potential partner’s work style, culture and partnership philosophy.
- Put it in writing: The most common partnership-related mistake that nonprofit leaders make is to enter into a partnership without first putting expectations and requirements in writing. Always define the terms of your partnership in writing to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and increase the odds of success.
Managing the risks that arise from partnerships begins with reflecting on how conflicts will be handled before they arise, and continues with having the courage to raise difficult issues with your partners, conducting due diligence before you say “I do,” and putting partnership expectations in writing. Following these tips will enable your nonprofit to reduce the risk that your shiny reputation and valuable assets will be tarnished or lost in your next partnership.
“First let me congratulate you on a conference well done. I had a great time at the Nonprofit Employee Benefits Conference and walked away with some valuable tools and questions that we’ll need to be addressing in both the short and long term. Thanks to you and your staff for all you do to provide us with quality resources in support of our missions.”
— Scott Brown, Mohonk Preserve
“BBYO’s engagement of the Center to conduct a risk assessment was one of the most valuable processes undertaken over the past five years. Numerous programmatic and procedural changes were recommended and have since been implemented. Additionally, dozens (literally) of insurance coverage gaps were identified that would never have been without the work of the Center. This assessment led to a broker bidding process that resulted in BBYO’s selection of a new broker that we have been extremely satisfied with. I unconditionally recommend the Center for their consultative services.
— Sidney Abrams, BBYO
“Melanie Herman has provided expert, insightful, timely and well resourced information to our Executive Team and Board of Directors. Our corporation recently experienced massive growth through merger and the Board has been working to better integrate their expanded set of roles and responsibilities. Melanie presented at our Annual Board of Director’s Retreat and captured the interest of our Board members. As a result of her excellent presentation the Board has engaged in focused review which is having immediate effects on governance.”
— Pamela Mattel, Basics Promesa Systems Inc
“The Nonprofit Risk Management Center has been an outstanding partner for us. They are attentive to our needs, and work hard to successfully meet our requests for information. Being an Affiliate member gave us access to so many time- and money-saving resources that it easily paid for itself! Nonprofit Risk Management Center is truly a valued partner of The Community Foundation of Elkhart County and we are continuously able to optimize staff time with the support given by their team.”
— Jodi Spataro, Community Foundation of Elkhart County
“The board and staff of the Prince George’s Child Resource Center are extremely pleased with the results of the risk assessment conducted by the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. A thorough scan revealed that while we are a well run organization, we had risks that we never imagined. We are grateful to know that we have now minimized our organizational risks and we recommend the Center to other nonprofits.”
— Marti Worshtil, Prince George’s Child Resource Center
Great American Insurance Group’s Specialty Human Services is committed to protecting those who improve your communities. The Center team has committed to delivering dynamic risk management solutions tailored to nonprofit organizations. These organizations have many and varied risk issues, hence the need for specialized coverage and expert knowledge for their protection. We’ve had Melanie speak on several occasions to employees and our agents. She is always on point and delivers such great value. Thank you for the terrific partnership and allowing our nonprofits to focus on their mission!