Success Factors for Starting Labor Management Training Partnerships
1. Clear Foundation
A clear foundation enables labor and management to build ever-increasing trust between the parties. It is especially important to acknowledge that in the past, labor and management relations have not always been positive. Acknowledge the past, then move forward to build a positive vision for the future.
2. Clear Communication Channels
Clear communication channels are the lifeblood of a labor/management partnership. Communication must be clear, consistent, and timely within each party’s organization; between each of the parties; and within the partnership itself. This is an ongoing process and will change and evolve over time. Communication processes, including verification, should be the #1 priority on every agenda and action item.
3. Clear Vision (Stay Positive)
Be clear on what you want. Take small steps that move you in the direction you need to go. There will be multiple challenges to the work, even in the most supportive partnerships. Stay positive about achieving your goals. Your positive attitude and actions will set the bar for others to follow. “Lead by example.”
4. Clear Snapshot of the Workplace
Everyone has a different perspective. This is human nature. Create a partnership environment that strives for a common perspective of the conditions, issues, etc. This common neutral perspective will greatly contribute to crafting a training plan and actions that will be successful.
5. Clear Actions Plans and Metrics
As a new labor/management partnership, one of your first decisions will be the scale and scope of your first training projects; the expected outcomes; and most importantly, how outcomes will be measured. This is where you need to be very careful in your approach. “What does success look like?” is an essential partnership discussion.
