Problem solving

How do we solve the inevitable problems that arise when people and agencies work together? It's impossible to predict at the outset all the situations, changes, and challenges that will take place as the partnership and the program evolve. What is important is to have an agreed-upon problem solving strategy in place before things come up. One possibility your committee might consider is to schedule time for discussion and problem solving into your meeting agendas; formally recognizing the need to address problems will encourage people to voice any concerns they have and have them discussed objectively.

When we asked family literacy practitioners and their partners how they solved problems, they gave the following suggestions:

• be flexible and willing to adapt to changes
• don't take things personally
• be diplomatic in how you present the problem. Don't point fingers, but present it as the group's problem, and the group will find a solution
• keep communication lines open
• be prepared to learn from your mistakes, and to admit them to your partners
• never let a problem sit for long. Call a meeting right away to discuss it.
• keep goals and priorities very clear, so they can determine how decisions are made
• keep people informed of any changes
• hold people to what they said they were going to do, and don't be afraid to dissolve the partnership if they don't, and move on

Renegotiating
There may come a time when one or more members feels the need to renegotiate the partnership. Renegotiation is a logical step when people want to continue the partnership, but:

• one or more of the partners can not or can no longer carry out their responsibilities (because of staff changes, unrealistic commitments made in terms of time or resources, restructuring in their agency, etc.)
• a dispute arises that cannot be resolved within the current arrangement
• there is an opportunity to expand the original project
• there is an opportunity to add new members to the partnership (Partnership Resource Kit)