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  • We create customized leadership solutions for a wide range of Global 1000 companies. We work with our clients to accelerate the development of leadership as a source of value and competitive advantage. We are highly effective and dynamic, working collaboratively with clients based on their strategy, culture, and values. We develop leadership capability driven by the top executives’ strategy and change agenda. Our deep expertise creates impactful, connected solutions that blend a range of best-in-class learning methodologies including leadership and employee engagement programs, action learning, coaching, e-learning, and online applications. We enable leaders to develop the competence, confidence, and commitment required to ensure the successful execution of their company’s strategic agenda, achieve great results through people, and deliver real impact on performance Oliver Wyman values its clients and respects their confidentiality. Any clients referenced are done so with explicit permission. www.oliverwyman.com/LD

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May 2010 - Posts

The Power of Partnership
In the business world, partnerships between very different organisations often offer real opportunities for growth and entry into new markets. Many mergers start off with both organisations stating how delighted they are with their new partner, how they’re going to work together for the benefit of customers, and how together they will achieve so much more than they ever could apart. They don’t always continue quite so happily.

In reality, in most mergers there is a stronger partner, and the stronger partner often dominates. The bigger partner often starts out by claiming it will listen to and learn from the smaller partner, but as time passes, this is often forgotten.

Britain is now in the unusual situation of having a government made up of two political parties. The bigger party has assured us that it will work in partnership with the smaller party and make joint decisions. But how can both sides ensure this continues to happen, after the initial period of jubilation and happy, smiley faces has passed?

One of the most important aspects to consider in any partnership or merger is culture. In a successful partnership, a new culture is created by engaging with everyone involved. The leaders of both organisations (or parties) need to communicate clear and consistent objectives. They need to ensure that everyone involved can buy into and take ownership of these objectives. There will be many different and diverse views. Leaders need to listen to these views, encourage discussion and debate, and demonstrate a willingness to change.

If people feel they are not being listened to, they become disengaged. They are less likely to feel a part of the future of the new organisation, and less likely to commit. However, if people feel they are an integral part of the organisation’s future success, they are more likely to ‘go the extra mile’.

As the world of business has become more complex, collaboration has become more important. The skills of relationship building and team working have become highly prized. We now have a complex and unusual political situation in the UK, one which presents a tremendous opportunity for a completely new style of collaborative politics. Will our political leaders achieve much more together than they ever could apart? If they’re prepared to listen, they just might.

 

 

Posted: 20 May 2010 3:12 PM by Clare Roberts | with no comments
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