Flexibility
The need for flexibility is strongly emphasized as a key factor in successful partnerships. Flexibility is required in terms of scheduling meetings, adjusting roles and responsibilities, being willing to adapt to changes in planning and implementation, and accepting differences in philosophy, management style, and ability to contribute to the project.

As an example, even “teachers” can have very different frames of reference. Teachers of adults and secondary school students are typically trained in English with an emphasis on language skills, and tend to be subject matter-oriented (Nurss and Rawlston 1994). Teachers of young children tend to be child-oriented and plan concrete, hands-on activities. Their focus is on appropriate activities as opposed to specific language and literacy skills. In a family literacy partnership that includes both parent- and child-focused components, both groups need to adjust their thinking to accommodate the other group’s approach.

One means of encouraging flexibility and understanding of each other’s needs is through common inter-disciplinary training to support building a partnership. Mitchell and Scott (1993: 77) describe how inter-agency collaboration can succeed only if three issues are properly addressed. Profession norms are developed to help staff move beyond application of their expertise, focusing attention on the broader character of their clients’ needs. Inter-disciplinary norms of professional cooperation are developed to help guide consultation and decision making among different types of professionals. Institutional norms are developed to guide both inter-agency case management and organizational resource allocation. Many types of formalized training, in-services, and information sharing sessions can benefit and support the partnership, provided they are open to all members, including parents.

Trust and respect
Finally, trust and respect are cited as essential to building strong and sustainable partnerships. Respect for others as equals, acknowledging others’ areas of expertise, respecting differences between members, and accepting others’ judgment are fundamental to building solid relationships between members. Each organization must realize that the vested interests of other members are as valid as its own (Irwin 1994).

Respect is not only essential between members of the partnership, but between the members of the partnership and the people it is meant to serve as well. Atmore (1993) speaks of “respectful intervention”-- of being sensitive to the culture, norms, and values of people in the community.