Partnership: Two Heads Are Better Than One

Alisha Johnson, Ensley Branch Library

While traditionally competition has been defined as two parties striving for a common goal that cannot be shared and that one’s gain is the other’s loss, that definition is rapidly shifting to include the idea of creating partnerships that will nurture strength and abilities of others in a more strategic manner. A manner that will be a win-win for each and every individual involved. We often consider competition to be in conflict with cooperation but in reality a healthy dose of each produces favorable outcomes. There are a number of reasons why businesses should consider partnerships and they include:

• You can double your resources and your ability to reach customers
• Your partner has strengths that you lack, and vice versa
• It promotes greater creativity and can spur innovation
• A partner’s perspective can help you break free of your old way of doing things
• It serves as a model for employees and fosters collaboration
  

These days, collaboration is proving to be one of the greatest assets to a company to ensure success, innovation, and improved offerings to customers.

Check out these resources on partnership at your local library:
The Power of We: Succeeding through Partnerships by Jonathan Tisch with Karl Weber
Cofounding the Right Way: A Practical Guide to Successful Business Partnerships by Jana Nevrlka
Working Together: Why Great Partnerships Succeed by Michael D. Eisner with Aaron Cohen