How can you avoid common risks in coalitions?

1 Define your goals and values

Before you join or form a coalition, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what principles you stand for. This will help you identify potential partners who share your vision and values, and avoid those who might have conflicting agendas or interests. You also need to communicate your goals and values clearly and consistently with your coalition members, so that everyone is on the same page and understands their roles and responsibilities.

3 Manage your resources and expectations

Coalitions can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, so you need to be realistic and strategic about how you allocate your resources and what you expect from your coalition partners. You need to balance your coalition work with your own organizational or personal priorities, and avoid overcommitting or underdelivering. You also need to recognize and respect the different capacities, constraints, and commitments of your coalition members, and avoid imposing unrealistic or unfair demands or expectations on them.

4 Address conflicts and issues

Coalitions are not immune to conflicts and issues, especially when they involve diverse and dynamic groups of people working on complex and contentious issues. To avoid or resolve conflicts and issues, you need to have clear and transparent processes and mechanisms for decision-making, accountability, and conflict resolution. You also need to foster a culture of openness, honesty, and constructive criticism, where you can address problems and concerns in a respectful and collaborative way.

5 Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures

Coalitions are not only about achieving outcomes, but also about learning and growing as a collective. To sustain your coalition's motivation and morale, you need to celebrate your successes and acknowledge your achievements, no matter how big or small. You also need to learn from your failures and challenges, and use them as opportunities to improve your strategies, tactics, and relationships. You also need to share your lessons and insights with your coalition members, and seek feedback and input from them.

6 Evaluate and adapt your coalition

Coalitions are not static or fixed; they are dynamic and evolving entities that need to respond to changing contexts, opportunities, and challenges. To ensure your coalition is relevant, effective, and efficient, you need to evaluate and adapt your coalition regularly, based on your goals, values, and performance. You also need to be flexible and open to change, and willing to adjust or revise your plans, actions, and expectations as needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?