Building Alliances: The Key to Continuous Improvement
I’ve been exploring the essential practice of building alliances, a crucial element for driving continuous improvement within teams and organizations. (Part of an ongoing podcast series on virtues for the change journey, where we’ve previously discussed topics like courage and resilience.)
Why Building Alliances Matter
Building alliances is vital for supporting individuals, teams, and organizations. Building alliances taps into virtues like humility and cooperation, as well as strengths like relationship-building and emotional intelligence.
The Power of Alliances
Effective alliances provide a multiplying effect, unlocking diverse perspectives necessary for making sense of reality while cultivating continuous improvement. They help build psychological safety and interpersonal trust, enhancing both courage and resilience. Alliances support individuals and teams through failures and help build upon successes, navigating through challenges and obstacles.
Types of Alliances
Drawing on a 2018 conversation I had with Dr. Jen Fraum and Lois Kelly from the Rebels at Work group, alliances can be categorized into four types:
- Support Pack: A group focused on execution, helping figure out the “how” in a pragmatic way.
- Wild Pack: Creative thinkers who provide bursts of brave, innovative thinking.
