The People & Culture part of supply chain

It has been more than seven years since I started to work as an independent supply chain professional. During these years I noticed how some teams just performed better (and had more fun) than others, regardless of their systems and processes. Not pretending to be complete, here are a few observations:

Togetherness. High performing teams don't hide behind RACI's but make sure stuff gets done and nobody is left behind. Backing up someone is not considered a pain but to help others to take time off, without a full mailbox upon return.

Simplicity. Their strategy and department goals are clear and simple, so people can prioritise and make decisions independently. They also have plenty of opportunities to influence these goals bottom-up.

Action. They take action and try out new things, rather than just talk. Based on the agreed goals they know in which direction to move. Nothing eats up more motivation than the feeling of being stuck.

Thinking. There is time to think, to reflect, to read, rather than being fully swamped by operational issues.

Positive affirmation. Team members are valued for and encouraged to develop their strengths, rather than forced to work on their weaknesses.

Behaviour. Rather than only focusing on output and goals, they reward the right behaviour. Time and energy is spent on designing Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS).

Networks. These teams connect to internal and external counterparts. They use these networks to push and pull information and avoid becoming an island.Lorem Ipsum