Collaborative Governance and Partnerships

ACE Conference, WellingtonVivien Twyford, Twyfords NZ

June 2012

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Twyfords are ….

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Why Collaborative Governance?

• The environment has changed over recent years • Addressing the increasing complexity of our

world is a key issue• Business practice, particularly leadership

practice, has to change to meet new expectations.

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Approaches to increasing complexity

Old approach• Leaders have all the

answers• the expert model – “I

know best – if you knew what I know, you’d agree”

• identifying problems that need fixing

• using rational argument to address values in collision

Needed approach

• Leaders saying "I don't have the answer, let's work together to co-create solutions that work”

• building on strengths and getting more of what works

• valuing diversity • walking in each others’

shoes, perspectives shared, emotions explored,

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The new game we must learn• A new mindset or way of thinking

– knowing when you don’t know– recognising and acknowledging what

stakeholders can contribute– learning how to work with stakeholders– inviting stakeholders into the dilemma without

trying to control the outcome– harnessing positive energy and enthusiasm

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Making a start

• Partnerships, alliances and collaborations are demonstrations of a new mindset about the value of working together

• But … all too often they break down due to lack of process or lack of understanding of the fundamentals.

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The Cynevin Framework explained

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7oz366X0-8&feature=related – Dave Snowden

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mqNcs8mp74&feature=em-share_video_user – Sean Callaghan

• A sense-making model NOT a classification model• Helps us understand that while co-ordination and co-

operation can solve simple and complicated problems, collaboration is essential in solving complex dilemmas

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Complexity 8

What does complex look like?

• No agreement on the problem to be solved• Lots of uncertainty around the data• No clear solution • ‘Competing futures’• Values and ethical considerations are involved• No clear path forward

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What’s the difference between collaboration and partnership?

Collaboration

• A way of working with diverse stakeholders to create enduring solutions to our most complex challenges, problems and dilemmas

Partnerships• Cross-sector partnerships are

a form of strategic alliance between organisations drawn from the business, government, education or community sectors who commit to working collaboratively on a project, program or complex issue to pursue a common purpose.

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Key characteristics of Collaborative Practice

• Appreciative mindset• Shared learning• Trustful relationships• Sophisticated conversations• Thoughtful deliberation• Finding and implementing enduring solutions to

complex dilemmas

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Key characteristics of cross-sector partnerships

• Organisations working together to achieve mutual objectives

• Sharing risks and benefits• Principles of

– equity, – transparency, – mutual benefit

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Both are about….

building TRUST

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Trust

One way of valuing trust

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Getting a project complete on time and within budget is important. Our stakeholders will trust us if we do this.

Trust

An alternative view of trust

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Developing trust with stakeholders early in a relationship by sharing our dilemma (and all relevant information), then agreeing on a decision-making process together will help us find an enduring solution on time and within budget.

Questions

• What questions do you still have about using Collaborative Governance or collaborative practice in your work in Adult Education?

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