9.2  Establishing the relationship

Some of the key factors in establishing effective partnering relationships are:

•  understanding each other's business and objectives

•  establishing a common vision for the project and for the relationship

•  ensuring the contract management team has a full understanding of the project and the contract, and has appropriate contract management skills and training

•  maintaining continuity of individuals involved in contract management

•  striving to avoid adversarial relationships

•  reassessing the relationships on a regular basis.