LESSON 5: ORGANISE AND MAINTAIN NETWORKS AND ALLIANCES
1hr. 30min.
A12.KCI-5. Organize and maintain networks and alliances
Support is the sum of all the influences that stakeholders have on the project/ programme. You acquire support by networking, by communicating with the people in the context and by entering into alliances. Some of you do not like playing politics, but my opinion is that you have then ended up in the wrong profession. If you define politics as being “bringing about the best for the project/ programme” and translate that into influencing people in order to cooperate, then it brings you a completely different and more positive dimension.
In complex projects/programmes, there is always a lot of political influencing, and you have to become skillful in it. This comes down to you entering into a dialogue with the different interest groups. You make agreements to protect each other’s interests, so make sure you confirm and record everything that is of importance. The human memory is "fluid" and both parties often remember something a little different than what was agreed.
Application
You can convert the above into actions on the project/programme/portfolio for which you are currently responsible, by carrying out the following steps:
Document the agreements.
Draw up a cooperation plan.
Develop criteria in order to measure success.
Maintain the agreements.
If necessary, conclude the formal contracts.
