Mutual Action Plan

About This Template

The Mutual Action Plan (MAP) keeps both parties aligned and accountable throughout the partnership lifecycle. Use it from initial qualification through ongoing partnership execution to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Why You Need a MAP

Partnerships fail when:

• Responsibilities are unclear
• Timelines are missed
• One party does all the work
• Expectations aren't aligned
• Progress isn't tracked

A Mutual Action Plan prevents these issues by creating shared accountability and clear next steps.

Key Features

Action Item Tracking

• Clear Ownership - Who's responsible for what
• Deadlines - When things need to happen
• Status Tracking - In progress, completed, blocked
• Dependencies - What needs to happen first

RACI Framework

Define roles for every action:

• Responsible - Who does the work
• Accountable - Who makes decisions
• Consulted - Who provides input
• Informed - Who needs to know

Timeline & Milestones

• Phase-based planning (e.g., Onboarding, Launch, Growth)
• Key milestone tracking
• Critical path identification
• Due date reminders

Use Cases

During Partner Qualification

Use the MAP to:

• Test partner commitment and seriousness
• Identify potential blockers early
• Align on initial partnership scope
• Set expectations for collaboration

During Onboarding

Track activities like:

• Contract and legal review
• Technical integration setup
• Enablement and training
• Go-to-market planning
• Launch preparation

During Ongoing Partnership

Manage initiatives like:

• Quarterly business reviews
• Co-marketing campaigns
• Product launches
• Territory expansion
• Program evolution

How to Use

1. Access Template - Get instant access via Google Drive
2. Make a Copy - Customize for your partnership
3. Define Actions - List all required activities
4. Assign Responsibility - Who owns what (RACI)
5. Set Deadlines - When things need to happen
6. Review Together - Align with your partner
7. Track Progress - Update weekly or bi-weekly
8. Adjust as Needed - Adapt when priorities change

Who This Is For

• Partnership Managers - Managing partner onboarding and execution
• Sales Teams - Coordinating with channel partners
• Marketing Teams - Planning co-marketing campaigns
• Product Teams - Tracking integration partnerships
• Executives - Overseeing strategic partnerships

What's Included

• Mutual Action Plan Template (editable spreadsheet)
• RACI assignment structure
• Phase-based planning sections
• Status tracking and reporting
• Example MAP with sample data
• Usage guide with best practices

Benefits

• Shared Accountability - Both parties own the plan
• Clear Expectations - No confusion about who does what
• Faster Execution - Track progress and identify blockers
• Better Communication - Single source of truth
• Early Warning System - Spot issues before they become problems

Pro Tips

• Review Weekly - Keep the MAP updated and visible
• Start Early - Introduce MAP during partner qualification
• Be Specific - Vague actions lead to delays
• Celebrate Wins - Acknowledge completed milestones
• Iterate - Refine your MAP template over time

Get Started

Get free access to the Mutual Action Plan template and start building accountable partnerships today.