As it turned out from our last blog report things did not
turn out as bad as we first thought. In fact the quantity of coal was
meager and hardly enough to take the winter chill off (even here in
Florida). There is however enough warning from what we received to help
us prepare for 2010 and beyond. Our stocking gifts included,
-
Coal – A hint that we have changes to make,
-
Candy Cane – A tease that makes us want a bit
more,
-
Weight Watchers Guide – Reminding us that treats
have consequence, and things should be taken in moderation
-
Old Childhood Picture – Memories of where we
came from,
-
Puzzle – Putting the pieces together and
recognizing that we have to put effort in order to see the full results,
-
Savings Account – With a modest initial deposit
(what to do with it; use it or grow it?),
-
World Atlas – Where we are and what other worlds
exist, and
-
Woven String Loop – No beginning and no end.
So what does this all mean? Each can be enjoyed
alone but is it possible to in some way make sense of them as a
collection? How can these things be used to take action for 2010?
From this collection of gifts the following resolutions are made.
Buyers 2010 Resolutions
I will…
- Fully evaluate and understand the outsourcing
option, keeping in mind local social impacts as well as the value contribution that the
sourcing option presents, remembering that not
everything needs to be sourced.
- Consistently and impartially evaluate viability
and capability without narrowing my considerations to only companies of a
certain size and locale, and will broaden my
perspectives and look for best choices and not simply those followed by others.
- Utilize research trends and guides as a basis of
understanding but not solely for decision making.
- Achieve ROI goals through active engagement
management.
- Invest in building a sustainable relationship.
- Refrain from excessive micro management of the
‘How’ and concentrate on my obligation to deliver the ‘What’.
- Commit to collaborative service delivery and
only consider punitive SLA’s as a last
resort measure.
-
Attempt to understanding my sourcing partners culture
at a personal level.
Suppliers 2010 Resolutions
I will…
- Narrow my marketing approach and concentrate on
regions and industries that will yield the highest return.
- Understand that commission sales agents do not
work and that we need to grow a sales network outside of our area.
- Collaborate with other service providers to
develop the profession and extend our delivery capabilities.
- Self invest in infrastructure development in order to support our delivery capabilities.
- Commit to
understanding more about our prospective customer and listen to what they need
rather than concentrating on my services.
- Establish unique brand identity to set us apart
from our competition and reflect our value statement.
- Better understand that size is only important in
matching ourselves against the clients that we are best equipped to support.
-
Commit to building a solid relationship with my
customer, doing what I can to understand their culture.
It would be unfair for me to simply pass along resolutions
for others without setting some for myself. Historically I have had a
terrible track record of success. Sometimes I forget them, but often I
fall back into safe past habits that instantly nullify
my resolution goals. I decided this year that in order to change this
trend I needed ‘enablers’ that would increase the likelihood of success.
Many things worth doing require the buddy system in order to increase the
possibility of success.
I will be…
- More kind. To do this I will understand
why things are as they are, and how change
might be presented.
- Positive. To accomplish this I will
appreciate the virtues on their own and not concentrate on the negative aspects
that are easy to see.
- Less Responsive (… a bit strange?). Rather
than be immediate give consideration first, and action second. This will
be better time management for me and more complete solution alternatives for
others.
- Push Innovation. Break the mold, refuse
taking a ‘business as usual’ approach and look for ways to overcome challenges
that have historically plagued us.
- Right-sourcing attentive. Remain
consistently aware that sourcing is an important business option but only when
properly considered with domestic options, alternative, and application.
- Resource vigilant. Look for talent in a
strategic and deliberate fashion.
-
Mindful of the 80:20 rule. 80% of the
suppliers are the hidden gems despite the 20% having the majority of the market
share. The 80% of the suppliers (Tier 2 & 3 companies) offer the
promise for price, project, merger/acquisition and talent flexibilities.
So as we end out 2009 on a down note (for unfortunately too
many) let us work hard to make 2010 a positive one. The only way this can
be accomplished is through complete
dedicated personal efforts. It is unlikely
we will see lasting change if we rely on others. The rules of business
and society have changed. The slate is blank
and awaiting each of us to contribute, innovate, invest, and commit totally and
without conditions. This will require experience but will necessitate
collaboration, education, reading and careful exploration to recast business
for both buyers, suppliers and advisors. As we know the consequence of
our actions or inactions are readily visible, they serve
as invaluable guides for 2010 and our future beyond.
Feel free to contribute your thoughts or send an email to me
at jdurant@Int-IOM.org
