Professor Michael West Executive Dean, Aston Business School Partnerships in Challenging Times Jacobs Client Conference 30th April 2009 Workshop/Masterclass Pen and paper Working with two or three other people. Someone sitting alone, get them to join your group. Professor Michael West Executive Dean, Aston Business School

Partnerships Frequent interaction Stability and continuity Absence of chronic conflict Mutual support

Partnerships innovate Searching for new ways to create value and new value to create Partnerships are upbeat and self confident. There’s no problem that can’t be solved, no status quo that can’t be bettered Partnership is about doing the difficult not managing the inevitable i-Pod, I-Phone, Wii. New courses – green mba Car flat tyre

Positive aspects of relationships Wisdom related knowledge and judgements increase if the possibility to discuss the difficult life problem with a partner before responding Opportunity to talk with a familiar person, exchange thoughts, create new ideas and perspectives Managing fear and pain Partnership parallels

Partnerships in challenging times Communicate the reality of the challenges we face Develop a clear, consistent and coherent message how we are going to deal with those challenges Agree clear tasks and responsibilities among partners to make their contributions to the cause Present a realistically optimistic picture of the ability of the partnership to broaden and build Have a clear vision of the way forward for the partnership – we may not know the answer - but we have to lead Neither rosy nor catastrophic The way ahead – Churchill Obama We have the talents, the skills and the experience. We will come out stronger Scott of the Antartic.

Reflexivity and partnership effectiveness Partnerships will be more effective and innovative to the extent that they reflect upon their objectives, strategies, processes and environments and adapt accordingly

Reflexivity upon .... partnership objectives/vision appropriateness, value, clarity partnership strategies detail, alternatives, time span, effectiveness partnership processes decision-making, communication, interaction, meetings, feedback, support for innovation, conflict management

Values and Strengths in Human Communities Wisdom and Knowledge Courage Humanity Justice Temperance Spirituality and Transcendence

Leading strong value-based partnerships Wisdom and knowledge: Curiosity, interest Love of learning Judgement, critical thinking, open-mindedness Practical intelligence, creativity, originality, ingenuity A broad and long perspective How can you promote these values and virtues in the partnership? Always eager to read, learn new ideas, latest HRM possibilities – many of you because you are here at this conference Delight in thinking up new and improved ways of doing things How can you shape the change to promote these values and virtues in the organisation?

Leading strong value-based partnerships Courage: Valour of a vision Industry, perseverance to carry it through Integrity, authenticity, honesty Zest, enthusiasm How can you promote these values and virtues in the partnership? Always eager to read, learn new ideas, latest HRM possibilities – many of you because you are here at this conference Delight in thinking up new and improved ways of doing things How can you shape the change to promote these values and virtues in the partnership?

Humanity: Leading strong value based partnerships Kindness, generosity, supportiveness Emotional intelligence How can you promote these values and virtues in the partnership? Always eager to read, learn new ideas, latest HRM possibilities – many of you because you are here at this conference Delight in thinking up new and improved ways of doing things How can you shape the change to promote these values and virtues in the organisation?

Justice: Leading strong value based partnerships Citizenship, duty, loyalty, partnershipwork Equity, fairness Leadership How can you promote these values and virtues in the partnership? Always eager to read, learn new ideas, latest HRM possibilities – many of you because you are here at this conference Delight in thinking up new and improved ways of doing things How can you shape the change to promote these values and virtues in the organisation?

Temperance: Leading strong value based partnerships Forgiveness, mercy Modesty, humility Prudence, caution Self-control, self-regulation How can you promote these values and virtues in the partnership? Always eager to read, learn new ideas, latest HRM possibilities – many of you because you are here at this conference Delight in thinking up new and improved ways of doing things How can you shape the change to promote these values and virtues in the organisation?

Wonder and optimism: Leading strong value-based partnerships Wonder, delight, appreciation of excellence and beauty Gratitude Hope, optimism, future mindedness Playfulness, humour Sense of deeper purpose or contribution How can you promote these values and virtues in the partnership? Always eager to read, learn new ideas, latest HRM possibilities – many of you because you are here at this conference Delight in thinking up new and improved ways of doing things How can you shape the change to promote these values and virtues in the organisation?