Partnership Life Cycles

This flow chart depicts the six stages of the partnership life cycle. Stage One involves discussions between prospective partners about the benefits of a partnership. Step Two is the actual birth of the partnership. This includes full documentation of the agreements between and among the individual partners. Stage Three involves the actual growth of the partnership. This includes the essential components of cultural alignment, organizational structure, partnership focus, management procedures, fiscal policies and funding sources. Stage Four entails the maturity of the partnership. This is benchmarked by a partnership that meets its goals, has effective leadership and administration. Stage Five is the expansion of the partnership. This allows for flexible growth, which may include a refocus of the partnership to account of changing needs, expanded communication vehicles, and ways to monitor the expansion's effectiveness. Stage Six is the measurement stage. Has the partnership been effective, it is worthwhile to the respective partners and it is sustainable? The answer to these questions results in a decision to evolve into another level of partnership of to terminate the relationship.
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