Illustrated Principles of Effective Collaboration (Salt & Light Chapter 4.6A, p. 402)

Warm feelings and good intentions are not enough. The ability to articulate the vision and to define measurable outcomes is necessary for strategic planning, and for a sense of fulfillment and success. All parties should be confident that progress toward the vision will be enhanced by working together. Effective collaborations focus first on the "what" (vision and outcomes) rather than the "how" (structure); too much emphasis on "means" over "ends" at the early stages can lead to division. Principle #1:

Establishing initial objectives for the partnership that have reasonably high potential for accomplishment is critical. These objectives should have clear significance that captures the imagination and motivates the group, as well as relevance to each partner's vision and objective. In the early stages, it may be wise to set short-term, more easily-attainable goals, in order to build trust and to see how the parties work together. Principle #2:

. The heart of the Gospel is restored relationships. Collaborations for the sake of God's Kingdom are thus first of all about people and relationships of openness and mutual concern—whether or not the partner is faith-based. Leadership must be intentional about processes to facilitate the building of these trusting relationships. Principle #3:

This facilitator must: have a burning commitment to the vision, outcomes and process of collaboration; demonstrate to all participants a neutral commitment to common success; be selected, trained, coached, and encouraged in this critical role. Each partner also needs their own collaboration "champion" or point person to motivate and guide their specific engagement. Principle #4:

Developing consensus and trusting relationships is time-intensive. As in the construction of a building, the planning and foundation- laying stages may take a long time with little visible evidence of progress. The bigger the challenge, the longer the process may take, and the greater the initial investment of resources required. All parties need to be committed to this process. Principle #5:

Having a clear identity and vision allows each partner to assess the potential impact of the collaboration on its own organization, and to be confident of its role and ability to contribute. This clarity facilitates relationships with other groups by reducing ambiguity and duplication of services. Each partner should be able to articulate the capacities and strengths it brings to the relationship, without promising more than it can deliver. Principle #6:

Collaborative partners should be aware of and have respect for each others’ constituencies, including: 1. The group each is seeking to serve. 2. The active participants in the initiative. 3. The administrative leadership of each partner. 4. The funding and praying group that stands behind each partner. It is vital that each partner communicate the outcomes of the collaborative initiative in terms their constituency understands and values. Principle #7:

It is the shared vision and purpose that first draws groups together. Effective collaborations acknowledge or even celebrate differences in cultures and traditions—emphasizing that all are welcome around the common vision. Trusting, open relationships allow for others to differ in nonessentials. Principle #8:

Excerpted from Salt & Light: A Guide to Loving Knoxville (Compassion Coalition, 2009). Original source: Adapted from Phill Butler, "Eight Key Principles to Effective Kingdom Collaboration," from the website