Sue Dyer's project
partnering workshops are participative training sessions in which the stakeholders in a
project learn together how to effectively deal with their differences. The goals of the
project partnering are to (1) create a strategy for achieving agreed upon goals for mutual
gain and (2) improve the stakeholders; ability to conduct their working relationship.Pre-Partnering
Diagnostics
In the pre-partnering phase Sue meets with people at various levels within each
stakeholder organization to learn about their organization, the project, and their methods
of interaction and conflict resolution. These diagnostic insights are used in designing
the succeeding stages of the partnering so that each stage is appropriate to the parties;
needs. Then a one or two day partnering workshop is held with all project stakeholders
represented, thus ensuring that everyone will understand the process, rules and
objectives.
Partnering
Phase 1: Concepts and Skill Development
The workshop begins with exercises, simulations and discussions designed to heighten
awareness of the dynamics of becoming a functioning team. Exercises geared to help
participants gain a better understanding of behavioral styles are introduced. Then, the
concepts of organizational styles are discussed and derived by instrumentation for each
stakeholder group.
Phase 2: Transition to the Parties; Issues
The partnering workshop now moves to apply the new skills to the parties problems,
issues and concerns, both actual and potential. Where applicable the parties write a
mission statement and sign a partnering agreement. The partnering agreement outlines the
parties' key issues and goals and how they plan to work together more effectively,
resolving conflicts as the arise.
Follow-up
It is not unusual for the facilitator to be called back to provide advanced training.
Often the facilitator is asked to help the parties meet their partnering agreement
objectives or to mediate a particularly difficult issue.
The project partnering workshop is no panacea. It is a tool for finding common ground
for mutual gain, collaborative problem solving and resolving conflicts that hinder
performance. Results have included: faster project completion, innovative designs,
significant cost savings, and a decrease in claims and litigation.
Download a printable summary
of Project Partnering (pdf, 201KB)
For more information:
ORGMETRICS
291 McLeod St, Livermore, CA 94550
Tel: (925) 449-8300
FAX: (925) 449-0945
Internet:
Orgmetrics@orgmet.com
