Partnership

Yesterday I attended a Toastmasters workshop on "corporate clubs," meaning Toastmasters clubs that are fully supported and managed by a corporation.  The workshop, led by Pat Johnson, DTM, PIP, emphasized the importance of the corporation partnering with Toastmasters in this effort.  Rather than simply "allowing" the club to exist, the decision-makers in the corporation actively work with the Toastmasters leaders to ensure the educational program provided by Toastmasters is effective at their corporation.

This got me thinking about the difference between "allowing" something and actively partnering with others to make it successful.  If I think something is a good idea but I'm not really invested in it or I have higher priorities, I might "allow" someone else to work on it - I won't get in their way and I might even offer advice - but I won't be active in making it happen.  There is no "partnership" and no "ownership" on my part.  If it doesn't happen, oh well.

On the other hand, if I really want to see something happen, I will be much more actively involved.  I will work with others who are also invested in making this thing happen.  I may ensure we have a plan and division of labor.  I may check in to make sure we are progressing.  I work with others instead of simply staying out of their way.  I ask a lot more questions to make sure we are all on the same page and haven't missed anything.  I won't and probably can't do everything myself, but I want to be actively involved because I want to see this thing succeed.  If it doesn't succeed, I feel bad about it.

We can never do everything we think is worthwhile, but reflecting on what we "allow" to happen versus what we choose to actively partner on says a lot about our priorities.  Making sure we are true partners in the things we care most about will help ensure those top priorities succeed.  What do you care enough about to form a partnership around?