As healthcare providers look to adapt to the changing and challenging environment ahead, many are partnering with others to tackle issues together. However, not all collaborations are successful. What distinguishes those that succeed from those that fail? 
Mike Leavitt, former three-term governor of Utah and HHS Secretary, explores this question in his new book, "Finding Allies, Building Alliances." The book, which Gov. Leavitt wrote along with former Chief of Staff Rich McKeown, who now serves as CEO of his consulting firm Leavitt Partners, proposes eight key elements required for the success of any sort of collaborative network.
- A common pain — a shared problem
- A convener of stature — an influential leader
- Representatives of substance — representatives with enough authority to make decisions
- Committed leaders — leaders committed to move the alliance forward
- A clearly defined purpose — a clear goal
- A formal charter — established rules
- The northbound train — confidence that the alliance will "get to its destination"
- A common information base — a shared pool of reliable information
"Finding Allies, Building Alliances" provides an in-depth look at each of these elements, and shares many examples of alliances that get these eight elements right. The book, Gov. Leavitt, explained, can be used both as a sort-of "investment guide," allowing leaders to evaluate the likelihood of success for a potential partnership, and as a guide to improve the "collaborative IQ" of organizations, allowing them to work better with others — a trait he believes will be critical in our increasingly complex and networked environment.
To read more about Gov. Leavitt's work on value alliances, read my Q&A with him here.