IT Governance: The 5 keys to truly getting your suppliers to collaborate
In an era where outsourcing IT-services is the norm, collaboration with external partners is no longer a nice-to-have – it is a critical success factor. But how do you ensure that all those parties deliver what they promise (because everyone knows that this is not always the case...), but also really work together as one team.
Good IT Governance is the key. With the right structure and agreements, you can break through “ivory towers” and stimulate joint responsibilities. In this article, we share five essential keys to getting external suppliers to work together as if they were one organization.
Key 1: Start with common goals, not contracts
Contracts are important, but cooperation starts with common goals. Make sure all suppliers know what the big picture is: what does your organization want to achieve with IT? By formulating joint KPIs (such as customer satisfaction, availability or lead time), you stimulate a shared sense of responsibility.
👉 Tip: Organize a joint kick-off with all suppliers and internal stakeholders in wich you discuss the vision and goals.
Key 2: Set up a management organization that connects, not just monitors
A management organization should not only act as a police officer, but as a connector and facilitator. The focus is on coordinating cooperation, maintaining agreements and resolving conflict situations.
👉 Tip: Give the management organization a mandate to monitor the performance of your suppliers, but also soft skills: they must be able to negotiate as well as inspire.
Key 3: Work with one common Governance structure
A separate consultation with a supplier is important, but for your governance to work properly, it is necessary to set up a joint consultation model. Think of a monthly Service Intergration Board in which all parties are represented.
👉 Tip: Use a standard agenda and planning: discuss KPIs, share successes, solve bottlenecks, and plan improvement actions.
Key 4: Reward cooperation instead of insular behavior - no "Brexit"
Suppliers are often only judged on their own performance, which stands in the way of cooperation. If you really think cooperation is important, you should reward it.
👉 Tip: Include a ‘collaboration score’ in your supplier assessment. For example: how quick is communication with other parties? How constructive is collaboration?
Key 5: Invest in culture and trust - avoid the "blame game"
Technology and processes are important, but in the end, collaboration is about people. Create space for informal connection, trust and open communication.
👉 Tip: Organize informal meetings, such as pizza sessions or joint learning sessions, where suppliers and internal teams get to know each other better.
Conclusion
Getting external suppliers to really work together requires more than just good contracts and SLAs. It is about shared goals and smart governance. With these five tips, you can take concrete steps toward an IT organization in which collaboration is not forced but is self-evident.
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