Approach
P2P implementation partners that make a difference are true collaborators. They are consultative in their approach, taking the time to really understand your organisation and the particular challenges faced. They should want to know how you arrived at the decision to implement a P2P solution, and explore whether all areas of the business have been considered that could potentially be impacted by a P2P innovation. This consultative approach will tease out the focus areas for your business and identify any areas that may have been overlooked.
Whilst your partner should be curious, it is crucial too that they are sensitively critical. In a non-judgmental and non-confrontational way, your partner needs to be open and honest, whilst focusing on solutions. Exploring challenges should never be done critically, but with a respect for the here-and-now and a focus on enhancing the business going forward. A good partner will encourage the organisation to think strategically, shining a longerterm lens on the problems encountered and factoring in where the business sees itself in 5-10 years and beyond.
Following the exploration phase, you should expect a bespoke solution from your proposed partner. In P2P implementations, one size most certainly does not fit all. If your partner has listened attentively and explored your organisations situation in-depth, then they will present a solution that is entirely unique to you, not offer pre-prescribed solutions. Often clients fear a bespoke solution is more costly, but this is rarely the case as you will never pay for an App/element that does not enhance your organisation.
Transparency between the client and partner is key. Your partner should be completely transparent in terms of the outcomes that their proposed solutions can deliver and detail the achievement possibilities within defined timeframes. A transparent approach is important because it acts as a catalyst for engagement and momentum. A milestone-driven project for which the partner will be held to account, will keep the project on track and encourage action.
