As a keen sailor, I often think about how brokering partnerships reminds me of being in a yacht trying to navigate through rough seas and strong winds.

When you first start sailing in a new class of yacht it takes some time to learn the ropes. In doing so we have our head in the boat trying to work out what rope to pull and just trying to keep the yacht sailing in the right direction.

As we gain more competence we learn to sail the yacht at speed but start to see what is happening around us. We are now able to look outside the boat to the horizon and have the ability to think strategically about what is the best direction to sail in to take advantage of the prevailing wind and sea conditions.

Likewise, in a partnering process we can often lose sight of what direction we should be heading in. We can get lost in the detail and the complexity of brokering the many differing relationships and feel like we are being pushed and pulled in many directions. Being able to lift our eyes to the horizon, to try and see the patterns emerging and what lies ahead will enable us to see more clearly what intervention is needed at any particular time in the partnering process.

So remember – when you are feeling overwhelmed think about getting your head out of the partnership and looking to the horizon !!

Does partnering ever feel like you are riding a rollercoaster? That the continual ups and downs of partnering leave you excited one minute and in fear of it all falling apart the next.

Well don’t feel you are alone! Over the years many people have relayed to me that this is a common experience and one that tests the resilience of many partners.

The question is – what can you do to try and adjust to this continually changing environment and ensure that the partnering process actually delivers?

One of the keys to making the ride more comfortable with less dramatic swings and roundabouts  is to anticipate and adapt readily to the changing environment.

As we mentioned in a recent blog, partnering is all about transitions, so we need to be aware of the likely obstacles that could arise before they eventuate. If we don’t then we are likely to be reacting and responding to issues and challenges, with consequent loss of momentum  and greater delays.

Getting on the front foot will ensure that your partnering becomes less dramatic and this means a more relaxed and enjoyable ride but still plenty of excitement when the outcomes are achieved.