Leaders Wanted

The daily news bemoans the state of the world’s economies. Futures for most commodities are flat or declining. The world’s strongest companies are reporting eye popping sales decreases. Some of history’s most stable industries are in crisis. Governments around the world are injecting funds into businesses at a pace and magnitude beyond anything we have experienced. So what does this mean? For procurement professionals it means opportunity.The world is searching for supply leadership. Companies need help navigating the complexities of spend management. Those who have skills in effective and competitive supply decisions are in demand. For those of us who have spent a career in the back office, defining and following processes, reporting and managing deadlines, it is time to step up and embrace the broader role of strategic supply management. It begins with great, transparent and comprehensive decisions. It succeeds with proactive and invested supplier management. It becomes manageable with integrated tools enabled by simple processes. It takes a certain amount of risk, courage and polish. Who will fill the void and become purchasing thought leaders?

Welcome to the blog discussing leadership. Together we will talk about what it means to be a true procurement leader in a challenging and changing economy. We will explore careers, procurement’s ultimate contributions, effective communication, influence and planning. Most importantly, we’ll look at ways to lead your company in developing and maintaining excellent skills for world class supply chain practices. Procurement professionals have a unique opportunity, offered by the economic perfect storm, to participate as a vital member of your company’s “A” team. Let’s go there together.