Plans for Strategic Alliances on the
Rise
Nearly one-third of consumer products companies plan to forge new
strategic alliances in the upcoming 12 months (30 percent), up 8 points from the
second quarter of 2008 according to
PricewaterhouseCoopers
NEW YORK, Dec 4, 2008
(GlobeNewswire)
Chrysler Presents Reorganization Plan to
Congress
"To further enhance its product portfolio, support
growth, and improve its cost structure, Chrysler continues to aggressively
pursue strategic alliances and partnerships.”
CEO Robert Nardelli - Online News Desk (12/03/08)
I've been seeing heads lines and lead-in like
these of late. And while I am heartened that companies are recognizing the
value of strategic alliances, it drives me nuts to see them positioned as the
last ditch attempt to revitalize an ailing company. One wonders if these
companies had engaged in strategic partnering prior to hardship, if they would
be much stronger position to weather the economic climate. Never-the-less, a
lesson learned late is better than never.
As
noted in previous artlicles and blogs, the reasons to partner for growth, is the
reason to partner to reduce to costs and risks. The reason is the leverage of
strategic alliances - the more for less benefit of shared risks, costs, and
rewards. But what also goes along with that is shared CONTROL! Ahaa! maybe now
we are getting to the crux of the matter. Shared control is not always easy for
the X / alpha personality commonly in leadership roles in many organizations and
it is critical to the success of any partnership. Organizations must be willing
to give to get. They must willing to invest in the time and attention to
collaborate rather than to dictate. And when you are finally resolved to ask for
help from a partner, perhaps that is the time you are more willing to
collaborate.
Alliance management is part operational skill and business acumen, but
another vital job skill is the ability to collaborate and more importantly the
abiltiy to coach, lead, and influence others to do so.
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