Collaboration with other organizations can build your organizational capacity, amplify your impact, and help you serve more people – but only if you get it right. Successful collaboration starts at home – with your board and senior leaders building the right internal culture, competencies, and systems before you approach potential partners. 

Liz Weaver, former Co-CEO of the Tamarack Institute, and Linda Mollenhauer, Chair of Ignite NPS, joined Elizabeth McIsaac, president of Maytree, as they shared practical stories and ideas to help you choose the right collaborations, show up as a strong partner, and avoid common pitfalls. They drew from free resources in The Collaborative Organization – tools you can use right away. 

Liz and Linda's five good ideas:

1. Look inward. Culture matters. The values your board and leadership hold shape how others see you as a partner.

2. Understand the why. Get clear on what strategic benefits collaboration will bring to your mission.

3. Be intentional by managing opportunities and mitigating risks. Treat collaborations like investments – assess fit and protect your organization.

4. Get your own shop in order. Make sure you have the internal capacity and systems to deliver on commitments.

5. Put it in writing. Create a board policy that guides how and when you collaborate.

For the resources and a video of the session, visit: https://maytree.com/five-good-ideas/five-good-ideas-on-how-to-become-a-collaborative-organization/.