How do you know if your partnership is working? Mentors and apprentices can use the attached checklist to home in on what they are doing best in their partnership, and where they might improve their collaboration.

The checklist can be used in many different ways. Teams can designate certain items to work on week by week. When communication deteriorates, the list can help both partners determine why the collaboration is breaking down. Discussing how to meet the goals in each item will help each partner learn more about the other person's work habits, values, and needs.

Douglas Fleming created this list after years of developing collaborative partnerships involving schools and teachers. He is an education consultant who works with school leaders throughout the United States.

Making the Partnership Work: Goals for Mentor Teams

1. Add value to each other's work. Teach each other how to communicate most effectively and work most productively so both partners benefit from the match-up. It is a two-way relationship.

2. Be supportive of each other. Concentrate on achieving your mutual goals, not showing off your individual competencies. It's a partnership, not a competition.

3. Don't take your partner by surprise. Plan your work, and work your plan. If you can't meet an obligation, check in with your partner first.

4. Be open to new ways of doing things. Your way may not be the only way.

5. Look at situations from your partner's point of view. What beliefs, assumptions, or needs are influencing their actions? What do they want and need from the partnership?

6. Show up on time. Be there for your partner when you are needed. Meet deadlines. Keep appointments.

7. Expect problems to arise and take advantage of them. Working through something difficult or uncomfortable instead of avoiding it or glossing over it can make your partnership stronger.

8. Do your homework. Know what your partner is trying to achieve and help them locate the ideas, resources, and tools they need to try new things.

9. Treat each other as friends. Find ways to provide little extras that make working with you a pleasant experience.

10. Let your service to another person teach you new things. Be open to the idea that your partner may be teaching you without knowing it.

(c) Douglas Fleming

You can also download a one-page PDF of the checklist by clicking here.

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