Four network principles for collaboration success

Abstract

Based on a decade of research, the authors have identified a common pattern of factors that are essential to effective networking. The four key operating principles are: focus on mission before organization; manage through trust, not control; promote others, not yourself; and build constellations rather than lone stars. While there are funders that encourage collaboration among their grantees, the number that lives and breathes these principles in practice is rather small. The authors offer ideas for funders to consider to begin on the path to "being the change.".