Training Guides for the Head Start Learning Community:
Community Partnerships:
Working Together


Module 2

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Elements of Success

Handout 2: Elements of Successful Collaborations¹

Overview
What does it take to make a collaborative partnership work? Studies of collaborative partnerships show that the following elements or factors contribute to success.

UNIQUE PURPOSE

• A distinct purpose that is different from, but clearly connected to, the individual missions of the participating organizations; and
• A clearly defined mission.

ATTAINABLE GOALS

• Specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic goal statements;
• Commitment to achieving the goals;
• Moving on to another goal when one goal is achieved; and
• Celebrating goal achievement.

DISTINCT AND STRUCTURED MEMBERSHIP

• Skilled leadership;
• Diversity in skills, areas of expertise, and views of partners;
• A strengths-based effort;
• Realistic and clear expectations of roles, responsibilities, and time required of partners; and
• Committed and accountable members.

CONTINUOUS COMMUNICATION AND DIALOGUE

• Open and frequent communication;
• Honest talk about self-interests, conflicts, and risks; and
• Informal and formal systems for keeping partners and other stakeholders informed.

SHARED RESOURCES

• Sufficient funds; and
• Time to do the work.

Handouts

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