In 1988, under Hatch’s direction, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Associated General Contractors of America, and the Construction Industry Institute (CII) came together to form a comprehensive, multi-industry task force. This task force took a fresh look at the construction process and developed a new, trailblazing approach: Partnering.

Partnering is centered on a facilitator-led workshop for all stakeholders, before a project begins. The facilitator ensures that all stakeholder voices are heard, balancing power, building trust, and increasing transparency as well as shared values. This process will help any group that is not already embroiled in an emotional dispute.

The inception of partnering saw a 69% reduction in claims between 1988 and 1993. Since the incorporation of partnering into the construction industry, the majority of the partnered projects are finished on or ahead of schedule and millions of dollars are saved annually. Today, Clay Partnering uses this approach as a team building tool and an effective alternative to traditional dispute resolution.