Lourdes Coss

Communication, Leadership, Procurement, Teamwork, Transformation

Crafting a Vision: Illuminating the Path to Success

A vision is like a compass that guides the team through the procurement landscape and leads them to success. So, what exactly is a vision? A vision is not just a lofty statement on the wall. Like the North Star, italigns your procurement team’s efforts with the organization’s broader goals. It’s not just about what you do; it’s about why you do it and the impact you aim to achieve. A clear vision provides direction, purpose, and a shared understanding of the destination.

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

~ Helen Keller

Take the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His iconic “I Have a Dream” speech wasn’t just a collection of words; it was a powerful vision that fueled a movement for civil rights. Steve Jobs transformed Apple by envisioning a world where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives. History has given us many other examples of people whose vision changed how we think and what we believe is possible.

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

A vision articulates what procurement does and its impact on the organization and its stakeholders. A compelling vision goes beyond strategy; it’s a motivational tool. When your team understands the ‘why’ behind their work, they become more engaged, innovative, and resilient in facing challenges.

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams, who looks inside, awakes.” ~ Carl Jung

To develop a compelling vision, consider the tips below.

Alignment with organizational goals. Your procurement vision must be seamlessly integrated with your organization’s broader goals. A vision that aligns with the company’s strategic objectives ensures that procurement efforts contribute directly to the business’s overall success. As Peter Drucker, the renowned management consultant, once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Procurement leaders must envision a future where their activities play a pivotal role in achieving organizational excellence.”

Focus on innovation and technology. Successful procurement visions must embrace innovation and technology. Leverage advanced tools and technologies to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, emphasizes the importance of innovation, stating, “Our industry does not respect tradition. What it respects is innovation.”

Prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. Modern procurement goes beyond cost savings; it incorporates sustainability and social responsibility. Craft a vision that reflects a commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental consciousness, and social impact. As Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, noted, “Sustainability is not just important for people and the planet, but it’s vital for business success.”

Embrace collaboration and relationship building. Foster a vision that emphasizes collaboration, both internally and externally. Building strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and other departments is crucial for procurement success. Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, once said, “The team with the best players wins.” In the context of procurement, this implies cultivating strong partnerships.”

Continuous learning and adaptability. The procurement landscape is dynamic, requiring professionals to stay informed about industry trends and continuously learn. Craft a vision that encourages a culture of learning and adaptability. As Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, stated, “The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”

Crafting a compelling vision for procurement success is a strategic imperative for leaders in the field. Procurement professionals can chart a course toward excellence by aligning with organizational goals, embracing innovation, prioritizing sustainability, fostering collaboration, and promoting continuous learning. A well-crafted vision inspires the team and lays the foundation for a future where procurement is pivotal in organizational success.

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give them orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.” ~Anoine de Saint-Exupéry

Leadership, Procurement, Transformation

Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Five Tips for Procurement Leaders

Our mindset shapes our journey and the path our team takes toward success. What is a mindset, and why does it matter to a leader? At its core, mindset refers to our mental attitude, the established beliefs that shape how we perceive and respond to the world around us. For a procurement leader, having the right mindset is like having a compass that guides decision-making, resilience, and adaptability.

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” ~ Buddha

The importance of cultivating the right mindset cannot be overstated. In the words of Carol Dweck “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life. It can determine whether you become the person you want to be and whether you accomplish the things you value.” As a procurement leader, your approach to challenges profoundly influences your team’s morale and performance.

Adaptability and innovation are paramount in leadership. A growth mindset is essential for leaders to navigate challenges and drive success. A growth mindset empowers procurement leaders to embrace change, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve. Adopting a growth mindset is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. Here are five tips for fostering a mindset conducive to success, supported by research and insights from influential figures in various industries.

Embrace challenges as opportunities. Procurement leaders should view challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth. Dr. Carol S. Dweck, a renowned psychologist and author of “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” emphasizes embracing challenges to foster a growth mindset. In her research, Dweck found that individuals with a growth mindset see challenges to develop their abilities, leading to greater resilience and success in the long run.

Encourage a culture of continuous learning. Foster a culture where continuous learning is valued and encouraged. Harvard Business School professor and author of “The Learning Leader,” Douglas Ready, emphasizes that successful leaders are committed to ongoing learning and development. By investing in professional development opportunities and promoting a culture of curiosity, procurement leaders can instill a growth mindset within their teams, leading to enhanced problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Emphasize the power of collaboration. Promote a collaborative approach within the procurement team and across departments. As Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, famously said, “A company is just a group of people gathered together to create a product or service. So depending on how talented and hardworking that group is, and the degree to which they are focused cohesively in a good direction, that will determine the success of the company.” Collaboration fosters diverse thinking and innovative solutions, aligning with a growth mindset that values collective success.

Learn from setbacks and failure. Shift the perspective on setbacks and failures by considering them opportunities for learning and improvement. Winston S. Churchill wisely noted, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Procurement leaders should encourage resilience and perseverance within their teams, allowing individuals to grow through adversity. Understanding that failure is not the end but a stepping stone toward improvement can lead to more innovative and resilient procurement practices.

Set stretch goals and celebrate progress. Set ambitious yet achievable goals that challenge the status quo and inspire growth. Daryl Conner, a recognized expert in change management, highlights the importance of setting stretch goals to propel organizations forward. By acknowledging and celebrating incremental progress, procurement leaders can reinforce a growth mindset, motivating their teams to embrace challenges and continuously strive for improvement.

Cultivating a growth mindset is crucial for navigating the procurement’s evolving landscape. By embracing challenges, fostering continuous learning, promoting collaboration, learning from setbacks, and setting stretch goals, procurement leaders can create a culture that adapts to change and thrives on it. Our mindset profoundly shapes our approach to challenges and our path to success.

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

Procurement Transformation Blog – www.lourdescoss.com

Communication, Leadership, Procurement, Relationships

Enhance Your Leadership: 3 Steps to Improve your Relationships

Leaders must be able to cultivate relationships to increase their influence. Many put more emphasis on the education and experience of the leader. Certifications and credentials are essential as they provide evidence of a leader’s domain over a specific body of knowledge required to perform well in the field. Their competence helps them earn the respect of peers and their team.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams

There are certain skills that many consider “soft skills” that are necessary for the leader to be successful. The ability to communicate, connect, and relate to others requires a certain level of emotional intelligence.

Having a high degree of emotional intelligence (E.Q.) allows you to be a more effective leader. Leaders should be able to inspire and motivate others. They should influence others to support and accomplish a shared goal and vision.

“Leadership is Influence nothing more, nothing less.” – Dr. John C. Maxwell

There are several ways a leader can strengthen their interpersonal skills to increase their effectiveness. Leaders that have taken the EQi 2.0 Assessment may be more familiar with these areas.

The three steps listed below can dramatically raise the leader’s E.Q., improve relationships, and accomplish more with their team.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
-John F. Kennedy

Increase self-awareness. Self-development is essential to achieving excellence. A leader must walk the talk. Leaders must first understand their behaviors, motivations, and abilities before they can lead and inspire others.

A leader must model integrity. They must not compromise your values to achieve a goal or other temporary gains. They should have clarity of vision and learn to listen to the inner values that drive their dreams. They must trust themselves.

Their internal compass motivates them to embrace their passion. The shiny object syndrome does not guide the leader’s passion.

They exercise self-care to keep their energy level fully charged.
They acknowledge their limitations yet respect and appreciate themselves while seeking to improve.

2. Practice discipline and self-management. Influential leaders take responsibility for their behavior, attitudes, and actions. These can raise their performance level and help build trust and authority with others.

They seek the input of others. They are not afraid to ask for help or seek information on what they need to do differently to communicate more effectively or be a better leader.

They hold themselves accountable for their actions and performance.
They are not afraid to delegate responsibilities and tasks. They are confident enough to surround themselves with talented people

3. Practice social awareness. Good leaders are self-aware of their attitudes and the power they must motivate others.

They show genuine concern for others and learn how to listen actively. This listening skill helps them connect with the team and develop lasting bonds.

They acknowledge others and find ways to reward excellence.

The socially aware leader helps others buy into your vision by making them stakeholders in achieving goals.

They care about developing those around them by providing opportunities for training and self-development.

“A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and help those who are doing well to do even better.”
-Jim Rohn

When leader learns how to bring out the best in themselves and others, they increase their E.Q. in interpersonal relationships. They utilize everyone’s best qualities and minimize their limitations with strategic task assignments and delegation of responsibilities.

By Lourdes Coss, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO – May 2022

About the Author: Lourdes Coss is a former Chief Procurement Officer living her purpose of adding value. She’s the author of “Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques” and uses the lessons of her 27-year career in government procurement and transformation to coach, train, and provide consulting to leaders and aspiring leaders in the profession. Lourdes is an Emotional Intelligence and DISC Personality Consultant; and a Licensed Brain Trainer and Neuro-Encoding Specialist. She enjoys traveling, dancing, reading, and writing. You may find her in a local café writing her next book.

Leadership, Procurement, Relationships, Transformation

Enhance your Leadership Skills with these 4 Steps

Who do you think about when you hear the word leadership? Many associate the word with political officials, CEOs, C-Suite executives, military commanders, or even athletes. While it’s true that you need good leadership skills to excel at these occupations, leadership is a valuable skill.

Everyone from any vocation or background can use for their benefit and the benefit of others.

Effective leadership can be learned if it is something that doesn’t come naturally to you. There are several methods that you can use to acquire and refine your leadership skills.

Discover the leader in you!

Try these four techniques to boost your leadership skills:

Make excellence your goal. Striving for excellence is part of being a successful leader. Your ability to set the bar for others will help inspire those you lead. You can be a good role model by constantly seeking ways to improve yourself and aspire to achieve excellence.
- A hallmark of leadership is excellence. Work on honing your existing skills and developing new ones. Working on what you are good at may seem counter intuitive but consider it your gift to the world.
Focus on your vision and set measurable goals. Each area of your life impacts others. Consider what you want to accomplish in all the different areas of your life. Set goals that align with and help you move closer to your vision.
- Set goals and measure your progress periodically.
- Don’t try to move a mountain. Break up larger goals into smaller ones. Once you achieve these shorter milestones, make sure to celebrate successes. Celebrating small wins will help maintain your motivation.
- Keep it real. Learn to identify and use all of your resources in the pursuit of your goals. Consider your resources when making plans to reach your goals. Developing plans based on resources and circumstances that you wish were reality may lead to disappointment.
- Stay committed but flexible. Be willing to refine your plans and ultimate goals based on your progress as well as your dreams.
Work on developing your people skills. Great leaders can inspire others to work towards a common goal. To influence and inspire others to buy into you, it’s important to develop your people skills and emotional intelligence.
- Practice good listening skills. Doing so helps to establish a connection and build trust, so others are more likely to follow your lead and help you.
- Help others improve and be their best. A good leader motivates others towards positive change.
- Seek input from others when discussing goals and plans to reach your objectives. Give others a stake in the results by seeking their opinion. You’ll get their buy-in and help them be more motivated to help you.
Lead with passion and maintain a positive attitude. People take cues from the leader. The leader sets the tone for the team. Good leaders teach others to have a positive attitude and to be passionate in their efforts by modeling the behavior they want to see in their team.
- The leader can help energize the team by maintaining an upbeat attitude. In a positive environment, an engaged team will accomplish more, regardless of the circumstances.

Taking the time to develop your leadership skills can radically increase the amount of success that you experience in all areas of your life. These tips can help you to hone your leadership skills so that you can achieve your goals and enjoy a more satisfying life. In the words of Dr. John C. Maxwell…

“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

by Lourdes Coss, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO

Leadership, Procurement, Relationships, Transformation

Can the Leader Change the Team?

by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” —Lao Tzu

Seasoned leaders may have contemplated the answer to this question before. For the new leader, it may be a puzzling one. Some assume that people will automatically follow when they have a leadership position. Most people will follow a positional leader, but will do just enough to be compliant. If you’ve tried to change the behavior of someone, you probably experienced how difficult this could be and seldom successful. I don’t think that one person can change another unless it is by association.

Leadership is influence. —John C. Maxwell

When you are implementing change, the ability to lead and influence people to follow is essential. It is vital to acknowledge that people need to buy into their leadership for the leader to be effective. Trust and respect are at the foundation of leadership and essential transformation.

I spent approximately two decades leading transformations. With a few exceptions, I found that people want to improve their situation. Many like to take advantage of the opportunities offered. Some choose to live by default. That choice might be due to the circumstances that they face or perhaps a low level of awareness of what is possible for them. Each person must choose to embrace their journey. In that sense, they elect to change and are not necessarily being changed.

They say that you become the average of the five people with whom you spend the most time. We have seen this many times and may have heard a version of this from our parents. Thinking back, many of the destructive habits that I saw in people I knew had to do with the company they kept. In the same way, it works for positive habits. This is true in a work environment also.

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

—John Maxwell

The leader can set the tone for a culture of growth, development, and high performance. The leader can create opportunities, but it is still up to each person to accept or reject them. The leader can help people see the possibilities, which may help them believe that they can achieve more. These are just a few of the things that the leader can do to move things along.

Of course, personality types play a role in the adoption of change. People process information differently. The people who are openly willing to adopt change will help create energy about doing things differently, especially if they see success. A supportive leader can reinforce the choice to change. The leader needs to design the environment.

It is easier to change and thrive in an environment that breathes collaboration and support. Creating the right culture can help the leader reinforce the changes that are needed. And while not directly changing anyone, he or she is enabling the right environment for change.

Creating the right environment for change requires a leader that intentionally model the behavior that will ultimately impact the culture of the organization. Indirectly, the leader can influence the team to change. It is not manipulation when you lead by example and put the interests of the people first. When the leader models behavior that drives each person to adjust their behavior and performance, they have gained influence and permission to lead them.

Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish. —Sam Walton

As I mentioned before, the company that we keep influences the way we act. Developing a culture of collaboration, support, and growth, will affect those in the environment. Leaders seeking to implement change must first work on increasing their influence with the people they lead. They need to connect with each individual and develop a relationship of trust.

To conclude, it is possible to influence others to change, but the decision is still with each person. The inability to change others is one of the things that add complexity to a transformation process. Leaders should understand that influence is a critical skill to be effective. Influence skills make the leader “a leader”.

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