Article / Gordon Donovan
In Search of Influence – The Traits of Influential People
With an understanding of what influence is, and how procurement can leverage it, we can now look at what the common traits of influential people are, and how to develop them. In my previous article, I reviewed some of the available literature on influence and influencing skills, in this article we look at what the … Continue reading In Search of Influence – The Traits of Influential People
In Search of Influence – What the Literature Says
Searching for the true meaning of influence, and how procurement professionals can, and need to, become better doing it. I have recently completed my masters, and my dissertation looked at influencing within procurement and how to develop these skills. This article looks at the published literature around influencing. The next article will review the opinions … Continue reading In Search of Influence – What the Literature Says
What Does Procurement Agility Mean in 2016?
Discussing the term ‘Procurement Agility’, and the ways in which procurement organisations can become more agile in their activities. In various reports and papers published over the last few years the phrase “procurement must be agile”, appears on a constant basis. Indeed, there is even a regular publication called ‘The Agility Agenda’. It’s an excellent … Continue reading What Does Procurement Agility Mean in 2016?
C3PO Teaches Us About Proper Communication
Uncle Owen: “What I really need is a droid who understands the binary language of moisture vaporators.” C-3PO: “Vaporators? Sir, my first job was programming binary load lifters very similar to your vaporators in most respects.” Uncle Owen: “Can you speak Bocce?” C-3PO: “Of course I can, sir. It’s like a second language to me. … Continue reading C3PO Teaches Us About Proper Communication
David Bowie and Procurement – Dealing with Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, (Turn and face the strange), Ch-ch-changes, Don’t tell them to grow up and out of it, Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, (Turn and face the strange) Ch-ch-changes, Where’s your shame, You’ve left us up to our necks in it, Time may change me, But you can’t trace time. I recently sat through a presentation on dealing with change and being resilient. Sadly most … Continue reading David Bowie and Procurement – Dealing with Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
“Because In A Split Second, It’s Gone”: Lessons Learnt From Formula 1
Can you remember where you were on 1 May 1994? I know I was at home, my parents’ house, and I was sat in the front room watching, the San Marino Grand prix. The reason that I remember, is that this was the day that Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest racing drivers ever, died … Continue reading “Because In A Split Second, It’s Gone”: Lessons Learnt From Formula 1
What does it mean to “be commercial”?
I was once in a meeting with a former manager where I was urged to be more commercial in my outlook. When I asked for a definition, the answer I got was along the lines of just be more commercial… I contrast this with an episode earlier in my career where I was said to … Continue reading What does it mean to “be commercial”?
Scenario Planning: A Field Guide (Back) To The Future?
A flash of light as the time machine lands outside Marty’s house, it crashes into the trashcans and out steps a futuristic looking Doc Brown looking panicked as he reveals part of the future to Marty. “It’s your kids Marty, something has to be done about your kids.” If only we could see the future … Continue reading Scenario Planning: A Field Guide (Back) To The Future?
Behind the supply chain curtain: 5 questions procurement needs to ask
The five questions Procurement need to ask to avoid a Nanna’s frozen berry issue It’s a tense moment in the Emerald City. Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow stand trembling before the giant visage of The Great and Powerful Oz as he thunders and roars, complete with jets of flame and billowing green smoke. Toto, … Continue reading Behind the supply chain curtain: 5 questions procurement needs to ask
What can board games teach us about procurement?
I was listening to a HBR podcast a couple of weeks ago and it highlighted several parallels between games and business strategy… We have probably all played Monopoly at one time or another (it was a Christmas staple in my household)… Well, when it was first designed it was meant to be a teaching tool … Continue reading What can board games teach us about procurement?