---
name: "govern-the-strategic-alliance"
description: "Use when a global systems integrator or consulting alliance needs governance above deal cadence: operating model, practice plan, co-innovation, sponsors."
triggers: ["alliance operating model", "GSI practice plan", "alliance steering pack", "co-innovation pipeline", "alliance escalation path", "practice health read", "alliance exec relationship plan"]
version: "1"
---
# Govern the strategic alliance
Use this when a global systems integrator (GSI), systems integrator, or
consulting alliance needs alliance-level governance — above the deal
cadence. Start from the alliance partner, the joint value proposition,
the practice state (heads, certifications, reference work), the co-build
pipeline, and the steering cadence.
## Set the operating model first
Governance bodies, the joint planning rhythm, opportunity management, the
ownership split per motion, the escalation path, and a defined mediation
process for disputes.
Align the alliance manager's compensation to alliance outcomes. Schedule
early reviews inside the first 90 days for a new alliance. Give each
partner something unique — a model that treats every alliance the same
produces no reason to prefer us.
One model document, both sides signed. A motion with no owner is paused
until it has one.
## Build the practice plan
Training seats, certification targets, reference architectures, and
headcount ramp — each dated with an owner per side.
Practice health reads quarterly: certified heads, staffed deals, delivery
quality.
## Run the co-innovation pipeline
Joint solutions and repeatable plays, each with a scope, a launch date,
dual owners, and the first three target accounts. A play with no target
account is a lab note, not a play.
## Hold the executive relationship
The sponsor map on both sides. Steering packs carrying milestones hit and
missed in FACT numbers, the decisions needed, and the dated asks of each
side. Written minutes with owners and dates after every steering.
No pack circulated as a pre-read means no steering.
## What you hand back
The operating model, the practice plan, the co-innovation pipeline, and
the steering pack with its minutes.
## Fallbacks
No steering cadence means proposing quarterly steering with monthly
working sessions, and getting a yes before inviting anyone. No practice
footprint means starting with one reference win before any scale plan.
Nothing goes to the partner and no joint commitment is made without your
explicit yes.