In today's culturally complex global marketplace, leaders can no longer depend on governance models based on twentieth-century management architectures, hierarchies designed more to disconnect than to connect. In the conclusion we summarize how all six competencies of a partnering organization—corresponding to the Six Partnering Attributes—work together to produce resiliency, to create a Powerhouse Partner. To sustain itself, to adjust continually to changes beyond its control, to see what others do not, and to capitalize on those insights, an organization must be imbued thoroughly with all six attributes. Cultures that have been designed to champion a powerful purpose stand the test of time. Smart partnering, and the ability to create a partnering culture invigorated by the partnering infrastructure needed to adapt to rapidly changing situations, will enable business leaders to relearn the ancient art of connection and translate it into a modern business model.
Smart partners win not only because of what they do, but also because of how they do it. Powerhouse Partners know how to do four things well:
Keep their eye on the ball
Promote openness and embrace a diversity of ideas and approaches for processing information
Approach the marketplace with an abundance mentality and foster the organization changes needed to keep pace with the marketplace
Leverage connectedness and appreciate the value of building the relationship skills needed to forge enduring partnerships, internally and externally
The organizations that do these four things the best will become the Powerhouse Partners of the Dual Age of Information and Connections.