8 principles for structuring chain cooperation Applied to successful networking Chain collaboration A framework based on, among other things, existing theories and years of practical experience in setting up chains. They advise to follow 8 principles.
Principle 1: Determine and communicate the shared ambition Content: Chain cooperation stands and falls with the connecting and guiding power of a shared ambition. The ensuing chain cooperation is not an end in itself but a means to achieve this ambition. It is essential here that it concerns an ambition that the individual organizations are unable to achieve on their own or less well, and that leads to an integrated approach to the perceived problem or the perceived need to solve this problem. The strategic goal must include the advantage that each participating party can gain from it. Principle 2: Make the joint ambition measurable Content: The joint ambition that underlies chain cooperation connects and directs the partners at the start of the cooperation. In addition, it forms the basis for interim evaluation and adjustment. This is only possible if the ambition has been made measurable and provides insight into the benefits of all participating organizations. So work out the joint objectives in concrete form (chain KPIs). Principle 3: Ensure good governance at all levels Content: Chain cooperation only works if governance is well organized. At a strategic level, decisions are made by players of an equivalent level. It decides on frameworks and sets and determines policy and direction
On a tactical and / or operational level, it is important that an expert and mandated representation from each organization works together and is able to solve problems. That mandate is crucial: one must be able to find solutions to problems, thinking from the common goal. Principle 4: All for one, one for all! Content: In an ideal world, every participating organization benefits equally from chain cooperation. In the real world this is not the case. Chain cooperation can also be of greater importance to one party than the other. It is therefore good to take care of each other and to ensure that each participating party can realize benefits. Over time, make sure that every organization has sufficient ability to benefit and adjust the collaboration every now and then to maintain the balance between effort and returns for everyone. A handy way to do this is to regularly ask the participants what they think the benefits will be for the other chain partners. Principle 5: A relationship is hard work! Content: My mother always said: "You have to keep working on a relationship". This also applies to chain cooperation. You have to keep investing in the relationship, especially with a longer-term collaboration. There is no recipe for this, but it is certain that it is about more than meeting and communicating. Organize communal drinks, reflect on what is going well or badly in the mutual relationships, have a Christmas breakfast, go out together, etc. Within one of our projects we organize a monthly “chain cafĂŠâ€?. Every first Thursday of the month there is a drink for the collaborating employees at the end of the afternoon. Principle 6: Celebrate the successes and let everyone shine Content: Mutual gains must not only be achieved, but also communicated. Each participating party must be able to justify within its own organization why employees put valuable time and energy and hopefully also passion into the collaboration 'outside the door'. That is why it is good to report and communicate the successes, but also the status and progress of the chain cooperation in a structural manner. Do not only focus on the actual results, but also use juicy case histories, which often yield the most visual communication. Each participating party can show off these successes in its own organization. Principle 7: See differences between companies as a strength and not a problem Content: The organizations are different and want to stay that way. Recognize this and take it into account in chain cooperation. Agree to disagree can be a helpful solution. The message is: we don't always have to agree and we sometimes sit together because we disagree, but trust each other in this collaboration. It is important to facilitate this dialogue in the workplace as well. Principle 8: Give chain cooperation a recognizable face Content: In order to create enthusiasm for chain cooperation and cohesion between the collaborating employees, the cooperation must have a face. A place where people come together or work together, an appealing name, a logo and your own communications. A mascot if necessary. Again, it is not a chat club but a real, material collaboration and that must be visible and noticeable to others.