Recently I chatted with a project management colleague from a large corporation that manufactures children’s toys. It’s the kind of company where the job interview might include creating a digital puppet show on the spot.
Despite having a large staff with various specific roles, they mentioned that in the past, the company struggled to accomplish their day-to-day tasks efficiently.
Toys On a Shelf
My colleague admitted they were always amazed to see one of their products on the shelf in a toy store. To them, the journey to the shelf felt more like navigating an obstacle course with toy parts flying all over the place, rather than following a planned process.
In the past, this company consistently faced challenges such as tight timelines, limited staff, and poor relationships with suppliers. However, in recent years, they have begun to address these issues.
Align With Partners
We all understand the value of partnerships, and so did the toy company. Perhaps they were fed up with toy parts being found in random places throughout their offices, so they decided to commit to establishing lasting relationships with the right partners.
They collaborated with these partners to develop advanced technology, agile project workflows, alignment with product and project, process creation, stabilized production capabilities, and consistent staffing based on demand.
The partners provided support during fluctuating business seasons, fostering a long-term working communicative relationship on both sides.
This was the key to their success and getting those toys on the shelf, even during the busy seasons!
Choose Partners Well
The toy company carefully selected their partners who were both experienced and cost-effective, capable of growing alongside their expanding product base. At times, the company heavily relied on these partners. At other times, they needed only their internal resources and kept the partners on standby.
These relationships grew over time and as the toy company grew, the partner companies were there to support them in their growth.
How to Find the Right Collaboration Partners
Here are some collaboration tips for finding the right partners:
- Choose Carefully: Don’t rush into a partnership; consider all your options before making a decision.
- Test the Partner Out: Start with something small to evaluate their performance and compatibility with your company.
- Evaluate Communication: After onboarding, assess whether their communication style aligns with your company’s practices.
- Recognize Mutual Benefit: Understand that a partnership should be beneficial for both parties; ensure it’s a good fit for everyone involved.
- Stay Engaged: Maintain active involvement in the partnership process rather than disappearing right after the partner is onboarded.
Toys Everywhere
Now when my colleague sees the company’s toys on the shelves, they feel satisfied to have been an employee for so long, knowing the joy these toys bring to people.
They are proud to have fostered these long-term working partner relationships over time, and also happy that they don’t have to dodge toy parts in the office any longer.
We look forward to partnering with you to get your toys on the shelves.
With 20+ years project management experience, Barbara Kephart has led projects across industries like medical software, clinical trials, and cybersecurity. With experience teaching technical project management and stakeholder engagement, Barbara is dedicated to helping companies pivot, prioritize, and complete projects with Chief Project Officer-level expertise, project professionals, practical training, and hands-on management—without the executive-level price tag.