5 ways to find your motivation in procurement (and other sectors…)

MotivationBuilding a stellar career in procurement is like any other when it comes to needing it

Whether you're an experienced buyer, team head or working your way through the ranks, it is fundamental to how well you do

ChallengesProcurement professionals may know they're central to the success of their organisation and that they're in a position to make a big difference to numerous people's working lives…

…but the challenges of the role can inevitably undermine things at times

Challenges• Suppliers who don't

meet performance requirements

• Colleagues that make competing demands

Events and people can sometimes shake the outlook of the most optimistic individual

So, how we do find, re-gain or hang on to our motivation?

Here follow five tips for finding and keeping this all-important quality

1. One goal

Try to establish one crucial end-goal that will be your steer through everything

Think about you and your employer's needs. Have you got a personal work-related ambition that ties in with your employer's aims?

1. One goal …Once you set down this one goal, it will focus your mind on:

• What to spend your time on

• Any training you may need

• Where to concentrate your energies

Put a plan in place to achieve it

2. InspirationInject this into your routine and workspace

Spend five minutes a day reading words of wisdom from other business leaders

Find out what procurement leaders around the world are doing

Can you benchmark your performance against others?

2. Inspiration….

A vibrant and welcoming workspace can drive inspiration

Greenery, colourful desk accessories and comfortable lounge seating are just a few elements that can make a workplace look and feel more creative

3. Make it public

Share your goal with appropriate colleagues, friends and family

While not everyone is the right audience for your innermost thoughts and ideas, those who will help you reach your success should be brought on side

4. Work with others

Try the goal-setting process out with colleagues

A team away day, brainstorming session or informal meal out

Ask everyone to put their thoughts forward and ask for their ideas to improve or solve matters

5. Celebrate successes Every contract signed, every saving made and every quality issue resolved should be cause for celebration

This increases loyalty and commitment

Congratulate people personally, in public & in meetings

Use a whiteboard to highlight all successes

Go out for lunch!

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