Principles of fit in partnerships
Introduction
Dovetail's mission is to help non-profits find their perfect digital partner. Our directory and "how to" guides significantly increase the chances of finding the right fit.
The principles below are designed to help you establish and maintain a productive partnership. To assess partners, check out our guide on How to evaluate partners.
Principles
Shared world view
Ensure that both parties share common values and beliefs regarding the cause or project. This fosters mutual motivation and commitment.
Communication
Maintain open communication channels. Engage in regular conversations and use a shared language to facilitate collaboration.
Transparency
Be open about challenges, concerns, and developments. Transparency helps move projects forward and prevents misunderstandings.
Respect
Foster a positive and inclusive environment by treating all team members with respect, regardless of their knowledge level or role.
Trust
Build trust by having faith in each other's intentions and actions, especially when circumstances are uncertain.
Support
Provide support and guidance to build confidence and competence among all team members.
Shared understanding
Ensure both parties understand the problem, users, and opportunities involved. This leads to more informed decision-making.
Compatible processes
Ensure workflows, tools, and ways of working are aligned. This enables smooth and efficient collaboration.
Starting off well
Set the stage for success by establishing clear ground rules, expectations, roles, and points of contact from the start.
Contributors
These principles are based on research with non-profits, plus recent user interviews with:
