top tips from a successful talent partnership

It was lovely catching up with these two fabulous ladies who we matched as an inter-generational Talent Partnership, to share one full-time role. They are still together after two years, here I'm sharing there experience after 8 and they were able to tell me about what difference being in a Talent Partnership has made to their lives

Caroline had always worked in the role as an individual, either full-time or part-time and was well known to everyone in the company and extremely well regarded, but struggling to get the work-life balance she needed as a part-time individual.  Now as part of a Talent Partnership, she says: "It's so nice to be able to hand over and switch off on my non-working days, knowing that Vicky has it all in hand."

Like a top relay team in the Olympics, they have nailed their handovers and communication, having worked together on establishing shared understanding and Handover especially in the early days. Now there's an implicit trust and respectful approach to the evolving partnership, which really shines through.

 "It's so nice to be able to hand over and switch off on my non-working days, knowing that Vicky has it all in hand." (Caroline)

Vicky, who returned to work after 10-years following maternity, said: "Being involved in a Job-share has been brilliant for me. I love the fact that I have Monday and Tuesday off work. I manage to get things done at home and also know when to book things such as doctors appointments for my children etc.

The biggest benefit of Job-sharing for me though is that it has given me my identity back, without losing my important family connection. I enjoy spending time with my young children but I also knew I desperately needed to be doing something else with my life."
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These ladies had never met before they were uncovered as a Talent Match for each other on Ginibee and weren't sure what to expect before their training.  Our training consultations led to a healthy approach and endorsement from day 1 from as their employer introduced the Talent Partnership to the team. This positive approach meant that they employer understood best practice and as a result everyone understood it was fully backed by the business and started experiencing the benefits really quickly.

"Colleagues continue a conversation with me that they started with Caroline, and vice versa" (Vicky)

As a partnership they haven't experienced being played off against each other and believe the welcome and introduction they received as a Talent Partnership from the director to the key stakeholders in the organisation played a key role. Making sure the employer understands how to engage with a Partnership is a critical intervention and makes all the difference.

Another golden nugget of advice from this fabulous partnership is "always be open to each others ideas, a different way might be a better way" says Caroline. This was great to hear, as it's a mindset which is crucial to success and one that we advocate from day 1 and one which Vicky and Caroline have taken on board and nailed.

"always be open to each others ideas, a different way might be a better way" (Caroline)

Thank you to you both for sharing your time, I love to hear about the positive social impact our Talent Partnerships are experiencing as well as the business benefits experienced by their employer.