The secret to a successful tech partnership

The most successful business relationships bring out the best in both partners. This can only be achieved through a combination of commitment, inspiration and empathy.

At Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Europe we know a thing or two about building industry-leading technology partnerships. Our number-one ranking for customer satisfaction in an independent survey by Whitelane is testament to this.

Many of our partners were represented among the 140 companies from 17 countries that attended TCS Summit Europe 2017, which we recently hosted in Madrid.

Each client relationship is unique and requires a tailored approach, but there are several overarching themes that should be applied to make a partnership extra-special.

Have rock solid commitment

Like in any relationship, commitment to your partner is absolutely crucial.

It goes without saying that the business case is central in any B2B partnership, but so too is the personal relationship between two organisations.

Corporate partnerships are formed on the basis of trust. But a special relationship between two companies can only exist once commitment has been demonstrated, and that can take time.

The best way to cultivate commitment is through communication. In today’s fast-paced business environment, technology allows us to communicate more effectively than ever before.

The theme for this year’s #TCSsummit Europe was Business 4.0. Watch what we mean by this. pic.twitter.com/MunCWN1oef

— TCS Europe (@TCS_Europe) September 18, 2017

Inspire each other

At TCS we strive to be an inspiration to our partners by adopting a relentlessly innovative and agile approach.

We hope others will join us as we seek to become Enterprise Agile by 2020, and that our partners will match us stride for stride in the pursuit of innovative ideas.

We like to think that our positive disruption, such as that brought by the TCS Ignio-powered machine first delivery model, inspires our partners to shake up their own markets.

But we also obtain endless inspiration from our business partners. Not just by the boldness of their vision, but also by the relentless and focused execution of digital initiatives that have seen traditional organisations carve out new growth opportunities.

Don’t forget to show empathy

The rise of digitalisation is changing the face of business as we know it. The age of Business 4.0 has arrived and its implications are far reaching, both for us and our partners.

It is vital that we show empathy during this period of digital change, whether it be towards our partners, employees or society as a whole. This is the only way we can ensure long-term stability.

Companies often talk about so-called ‘legacy issues’, but at TCS we believe there is no such thing as ‘legacy people’, only ‘legacy technologies’. Investment in new technologies and training for staff can open up a world of possibilities.

As well as presenting significant opportunities for businesses, this new age of innovation can help deliver social change.

We are already seeing this in our Digital Empowers campaign. By working alongside our partners in various sectors, we are using technology as a force for good.

Get excited about Business 4.0

Just like the technologies that emerged from the steam, electric and computer revolutions, Business 4.0 will change the world for the better.

In this period of seismic technological change, we continue to derive strength and optimism from our business partners. We hope the feeling is mutual.

To coin a phrase from a popular movie, ‘you all make us want to be a better company’.

“Our #DigitalEmpowers campaign is all about digital technology empowering people” first speaker at #TCSsummit, @TCS_Europe CEO, Amit Bajaj. pic.twitter.com/IcSVTbw2jD

— TCS Europe (@TCS_Europe) September 14, 2017

Amit Bajaj is Chief Executive, Europe at Tata Consultancy Services.

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