Written by Sue Dyer, Founder, IPI

As the construction industry evolves rapidly towards alternative delivery methods like Progressive Design-Build, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and others, one thing becomes abundantly clear: collaboration is no longer optional—it is essential. This rings true for low-bid projects as well. As the industry shifts to embrace a new culture, one of trust, open communication, and high-performance collaboration, all projects are and will be impacted. If your organization is feeling the pressure to transition from traditional, adversarial practices to collaborative delivery, then joining the International Partnering Institute (IPI) is not just smart; it's essential. 

Understanding the New Landscape 

Owners, contractors, and project managers alike are increasingly adopting alternative delivery methods because of their proven benefits: substantial cost and schedule savings, improved safety and quality, reduced claims, and significantly enhanced team morale. Yet, for many, the transition remains challenging. Teams using and accustomed to low-bid adversarial environments often find themselves struggling when thrust into collaborative delivery ideas and models. Projects that fail to adapt continue to see disappointing results—delays, claims, stress, and a deteriorating project culture. This is because all projects require collaboration to succeed – no matter what delivery method you use.  

This is precisely where IPI steps in as your essential guide, empowering organizations to not only survive but thrive in the new construction landscape. 

Why IPI is Your Ideal Partner 

Founded in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, IPI emerged from a coalition of visionary owners, contractors, builders, and construction managers who recognized the immense value of collaboration. With proven outcomes including 5-10% cost and schedule savings, dramatic safety and quality enhancements, and a notable increase in team happiness, IPI quickly became the premier organization advancing the art and science of Collaborative Partnering. 

Since it’s inception, IPI has been dedicated to changing construction's adversarial culture to one of genuine collaboration, trust, and mutual benefit. By joining IPI, your organization gains immediate access to a network of leaders, industry-best practices, educational resources, and tools specifically designed to foster high-performing, collaborative project teams. 

Real Results, Right from the Start 

IPI’s Project Leader Certification Training has been transformational for many teams. Organizations that have taken their teams through this training report immediate and lasting momentum, significantly accelerating project performance. With a common framework, language, and clear intentions, teams become cohesive, aligned, and proactive—consistently overcoming challenges collaboratively, rather than succumbing to them. 

Imagine your next project where the team is fully engaged, communicating openly, and resolving issues rapidly with optimal solutions. Picture projects achieving incredible results, such as delivering a million dollars of work per day and compressing timelines from years to mere months or even weeks. These are not hypothetical scenarios; they are real results from IPI-Collaborative Partnering project teams. 

How Joining IPI Enhances Your Organization 

When your organization joins IPI, you become part of an active, innovative community that continually shares insights and best practices. You benefit from: 

• Cutting-edge Education: Continuous access to white papers, research, articles, webinars, and mini-trainings designed specifically to help your team excel. 

• Direct Connection to Industry Leaders: Engage with experts and peers who have mastered collaborative project delivery and who openly share their lessons and strategies. 

• Proven Tools and Resources: Immediate access to IPI's Collaborative Partnering Framework, Collaboration Buyer’s Guides, and strategic resources to assist your team on every project. 

• Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful relationships with owners, contractors, and project managers committed to collaboration, enhancing both project and career opportunities for your team. 

Begin Your Journey with IPI Certification 

The first, and perhaps the most impactful step, is certifying your project team through IPI’s Project Leader Certification. By training your team members together, you create a shared understanding of collaborative practices that fosters trust and high performance from day one. Organizations that pursue this certification see a remarkable transformation in their teams—confidence replaces uncertainty, and genuine collaboration replaces adversarial attitudes. 

IPI's structured certification process is straightforward and deeply impactful: 

1. Enroll Your Team: Identify and enroll your project team members in the certification courses. 

1. Gain Immediate Momentum: Your team learns the essential skills to implement collaborative partnering effectively, enhancing performance right from the start of the project. 

1. Experience Long-term Success: Watch as your certified project team consistently delivers better results—faster, smarter, and with far greater satisfaction for all involved. 

Join Today, Transform Tomorrow 

The future belongs to those organizations that understand and embrace collaboration. By becoming an IPI member, your team gains the immediate competitive edge necessary to excel in the modern construction landscape. From powerful networking and learning opportunities to access to groundbreaking methodologies, IPI membership provides the critical resources your organization needs to succeed. 

Next Steps to Joining IPI 

Take these immediate steps to ensure your organization remains at the forefront of industry innovation: 

• Join IPI Today: Complete your Organizational Membership application. It’s quick, easy, and the first step towards transforming your approach to project delivery. 

• Certify Your Team: Schedule your project team for IPI’s Project Leader Certification Training and create an immediate, measurable impact on your project’s outcomes. 

• Engage and Lead: Participate actively in IPI’s community—volunteer for committees, attend and speak at events, contribute articles, and leverage the collective wisdom of other industry leaders. Celebrate with your project team their success by winning a prestigious IPI Partnering Award.  

Your Organization Deserves to Succeed 

Your employees, your projects, and your results all deserve the benefits of a collaborative approach. The transition is not only possible—it is essential. Avoid the stress, inefficiency, and financial risks associated with outdated, adversarial methods. Instead, become the organization others aspire to emulate. 

With IPI’s proven support and resources, the journey from apprehension to confidence—from mere survival to thriving success—is not just achievable; it’s guaranteed. Make today the day your organization steps into a brighter, more collaborative future. 

Your projects, your teams, and your results deserve nothing less. Join IPI now and begin your transformation.