[Joanna Pyres]

HI Jen,
My perspective is that people like the word PARTNERSHIP because it denotes a more equitable relationship, but often they are using it to embellish a transactional position! : )

That said there is growing awareness that there is more value to be created by a less transactional approach with donors… Money always distorts power and equity unless carefully managed, so there is great Partnership brokering work to be done in these spaces too!

Just my 2 cents worth – what are others thoughts?
Jo

[Joanna Pyres]

Hi Steph – Great Question! I can share some of the approaches that have worked for me – and Given our diverse group it will be wonderful to crowdsource effective strategies for “maintaining respect whilst also shifting power” that have worked for others : )

1) speak to the more powerful person 1:1 and explain the reason why you are requesting them to step back to allow others to step up and the value that this could bring the partnership and their org – this may also require speaking to the less powerful 1:1 inviting them to speak up and explaining that the partnership needs their leadership too
2) if there are more than one person with power, enlist the support of one to discuss with the other
3) Use participatory process so that everyone gets an equitable voice and explain that up front
4) introduce up front that in the interests of making the partnership feel fair, you the PB will be rotating eg who speaks first, reports back on group work etc.

These are just some that come to my mind… What has worked for others?
Thanks for the question Steph!
See you all tomorrow!
Joanna

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