Navigating the Duality of Procurement: The Art of Balancing Collaboration and Negotiation. More ⬇
As a procurement professional with 15 years of hands-on experience and a former NCAA Division 1 volleyball athlete, I've come to understand that our role is much like playing on a sports team—but with a unique twist. On one hand, we are a team player, working collaboratively with our internal stakeholders to achieve common goals. On the other hand, we must step into the role of a competitor when negotiating with external salespeople. Balancing these two sides is what makes procurement both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Imagine you're on a volleyball team. Your internal stakeholders are your teammates. To win the game, you need to pass the ball, communicate effectively, and build trust. In procurement, this means understanding the needs of your internal teams, whether it's Business Stakeholders, Legal, or Finance, and ensuring that you're all aligned on the end goal. You need to be constructive and collaborative, working together to develop strategies that drive value and meet business objectives. Just like in volleyball, it's about making the right plays at the right time to keep everyone moving toward the goal.
It's then game time when the opposing team—external salespeople who are skilled at negotiation and eager to maximize profit are there talk commercial and legal terms. Here, your role shifts from a team player to a strategist and tactician. It's no longer just about collaboration; it's about securing the best commercial and legal terms for your organization. You need to be firm, analytical, and persuasive, ensuring that every decision you make protects your organization while driving value.
This duality is the heart of procurement. It requires a delicate balance between being a trusted advisor internally and a tough negotiator externally. Both roles are crucial, and mastering this balance is what sets successful procurement professionals apart. So, to all my fellow procurement professionals out there, remember that we are both team players and competitors.
Would love to hear how everyone embraces and navigates this duality. Drop a comment below!
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Strategic Partnerships EMEA & RoW at eSentire - Delivering Scalable Cyber security solutions through the Channel to the mid market and enterprise companies
2wYou wont get anyone with 7 years of procurement experience for the salary you're offering. Absurdly low.