"I can cooperate with any partner. As long as he does what I say." Cooperation under these circumstances will not work!
Each cooperation
has a number of important principles, primarily reflecting a balance between the partners.
A well-functioning cooperation requires every partner not only to adhere to these principles: in fact they must be
internalized
and define
the day-to-day cooperation behavior.
Each partner must be able to benefit from a cooperative situation (the famously known win-win situation).
Only then can the same level of commitment be expected from each partner.
The cooperation objective must be precisely (concisely) defined. An approximate date on vague cooperation
objectives will,
with very high probability, lead to dissatisfaction and rarely to success.
The partner’s expectations and aspirations must be brought to a common denominator before the start of
practical cooperation.
Even if each partner has his, or her, own well-defined goals, it must be prevented that
interests prevent cooperating.
The various cooperative measures, dates, costs, etc. must be clearly defined. Only then will the cooperative
work for all parties
involved be traceable, the success measurable, and course adjustment feasible.
The duties and responsibilities must be clearly distributed. Only then can the cooperation be completed
hand in hand.
Moreover: conflicts over jurisdiction, misunderstandings, duplication or permanent works are
to be avoided in this way.
The cost and profit distribution must be set beforehand. Each partner must adequately benefit from the
success of the cooperation.
Each partner must have the same rights and obligations. This way, e.g. partner-dependencies and
cooperation turning into
a competition are avoided.
Each partner must be willing to compromise. No one should try to "run over" (or "double-cross") the other.
Each partner must equally be committed to cooperation, therefore, providing manpower, resources
and time available.
The staff of each cooperating company must know, accept and support the cooperation objectives
and activities.
Your benefit
Cost reduction
Quality improvement
Product improvement
Time saving
Perfect Timing
Qualification
Tansfer of knowledge