by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO
Procurement professionals’ role continues to evolve with the increase of technology and automation. The pandemic presented us with a wake-up call on preparedness. Technology and automation were no longer an option to function and stay relevant in the midst of it all. As electronic systems replace manual processes, procurement professionals will need to strengthen or acquire different skills to complement the changes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will likely accelerate the pace of change as more innovation penetrates procurement and supply chain.
There is no denying that we need to understand the process and how everything works together in procurement. Many procurement professionals have excelled in this area. But teams that thrive when presented with adversity require more than process sequence. The much talked about seat at the table has been the topic of many conversations, presentations, and even conferences. There have been pockets of progress in this area. But the advancement has not been sufficient to make this concept universally accepted in all organizations.
The pandemic shone the light on the role of procurement professionals. It was an opportunity for many to leave the anonymity of the back-office function. Those that were ready stepped up. Problems compounded for those unprepared to lead the organization through a crisis that called for the availability of supplies in a field of scarcity. As we reflect, problem-solving skills, communication, and relationships were vital skills to overcome the issues organizations were facing.
The “Modern Day Frontier” is where science and art collide in the area of AI. We have come a long way in data analytics to aid in the decision-making process. Such advancements need the complement of the human factor to prioritize and determine the value of the information. It is an opportunity to enhance the skills where no machine has yet made a debut. The human brain is the most sophisticated organ capable of imagination, human care, and emotion. No machine has yet replicated these qualities. The human factor will always be a required element to any successful organization.
Soft skills has not been the top priority in most fields. Such skills like leadership, connecting, and learning to establish good relationships are imperative for the procurement professional today and tomorrow. Teams that are in the continued pursuit of growth, innovation, and relationship building generally have a strong leader. Making small shifts today to acquire the skills necessary to thrive in the future will pay vast dividends.
“Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.” —Brian Tracy
Leadership – Leadership was is and remains a valuable skill, especially in the heat of the pandemic. Staying calm and bringing clarity to the next steps was an asset during the crisis. Driving and maintaining the engagement of employees required the emotional maturity of a good leader. Division, doubt, and fear were prevalent in most environments. Strong leaders were able to leverage diverse teams’ talents and not give in to the negativity and division highlighted that plagued many communities around the country. And while achieving the highest performance of a work-from-home team, they were still able to influence the organization to not stray from the procurement mission. As innovation continues to impact the world of procurement, leadership will become even more relevant at all levels in the organization by guiding it through the shifts and pivots.
“The Most Important Thing In Communication Is Hearing What Isn’t Said.”
—Peter Drucker
Communication – Communication is a skill necessary for all. Good communication skills include the ability to connect with others by listening attentively to understand rather than focus on your message. Problem-solving requires the use of good communication skills. It is crucial to consider the art of a good question because the quality of the information obtained depends significantly on the quality of the question. When you communicate to understand and ask the right questions, you will also enhance your negotiation skills. Understanding what others are seeking can help you develop options for more successful negotiations.
“Even the Lone Ranger didn’t do it alone.”—Harvey MacKay
Relationship building – Building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, is not something that I see relegated to AI in the foreseeable future. Supplier relationships, end-user relationships, and the professional network had a massive impact on the entities’ solutions during the beginning of the pandemic. The extent to which procurement professionals develop their professional relationships can influence and increase their options available to solve problems. Relationship building is a core function of the procurement professional and one of the skills required to access innovative ideas and solutions on behalf of their organization.
To summarize, as we look to the procurement profession’s future, these are three skills that the procurement professional will need to be successful in the job. Leadership, communication, and relationship building are not skills that will be automated or absorbed by AI, at least in the foreseeable future. It is the time to start preparing for the future of procurement and be ready to conquer the modern-day frontier.
Procurement Transformation 