How can you build trust in open innovation partnerships without face-to-face interactions?

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

One of the key factors for building trust is communication. You need to communicate your goals, expectations, and progress with your partners regularly and transparently. You also need to listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions, and acknowledge their contributions. Use multiple channels and formats, such as video calls, emails, chats, and reports, to suit different preferences and situations. Make sure you have a clear agenda, a common language, and a shared understanding of the terms and scope of the partnership.

2 Establish rules and roles

Another factor for building trust is clarity. You need to establish clear rules and roles for the partnership, such as who is responsible for what, how decisions are made, how conflicts are resolved, and how intellectual property is protected. You also need to define the expected outcomes, milestones, and indicators of success, and monitor and evaluate them regularly. Having a clear and formal agreement can help you avoid misunderstandings, disputes, and frustrations, and ensure accountability and alignment among the partners.

3 Show commitment and reliability

A third factor for building trust is consistency. You need to show your commitment and reliability to your partners by delivering on your promises, meeting deadlines, and following standards. You also need to demonstrate your enthusiasm, passion, and curiosity for the partnership, and share your vision, values, and culture. Showing that you care about the partnership and the partners can help you build rapport, respect, and loyalty, and create a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

4 Seek feedback and learning

A fourth factor for building trust is improvement. You need to seek feedback and learning from your partners, and use it to enhance your performance, processes, and products. You also need to provide constructive feedback and learning to your partners, and help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Seeking and providing feedback and learning can help you create a culture of innovation, adaptation, and growth, and foster mutual support and trust among the partners.

5 Celebrate successes and failures

A fifth factor for building trust is recognition. You need to celebrate your successes and failures with your partners, and acknowledge their efforts, achievements, and learnings. You also need to share your successes and failures with your partners, and express your gratitude, appreciation, and recognition. Celebrating successes and failures can help you create a sense of belonging, pride, and satisfaction, and strengthen your bonds and trust with your partners.

6 Build personal connections

A sixth factor for building trust is empathy. You need to build personal connections with your partners, and get to know them as individuals, not just as professionals. You also need to show interest, care, and respect for their personal lives, challenges, and aspirations. Building personal connections can help you create a deeper and more meaningful relationship, and increase your trust and empathy with your partners.

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?