TOP SKILLS TO DEVELOP
Obsess over the customer. People who approach every problem with “what will make our customers’ lives better?” will always win in the long term. When you obsess over the customer, you are driven to deliver big, meaningful results for your customers and business. Act like an owner. Your job is to define, advocate, and launch the right experience for your customers—which, in turn, will drive the right results for your company. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, find a way to make your voice heard so that you effectively guide your team to the right outcome.
Build a foundation in analytical and critical thinking. The future of the supply chain is data—the ability to get it, analyze it, and use it faster than anyone for competitive advantage. To do this takes good analytical skills and the ability to critically think through problems. This skill set will be important as you need to be able to break down problems and understand what the source of an issue is. Many times supply chain issues wear a disguise, hiding the true problem and appearing as a completely different problem. –Stephen Dombroski Director, Consumer Products and Food and Beverage Vertical Markets, QAD Inc.
Be a force multiplier. You can only get so far as a team of one. Be someone who motivates the people around you to bring their best work, grow, and have some fun doing it. –AJ Wilhoit Chief Product Officer, project44
out. By protecting some time for family and other personal priorities, a supply chain manager will be a more effective, productive, and balanced leader. –Mark McCullough CEO, Gebrüder Weiss North America
Adaptability, problem solving, and change management. All three center around the ever- changing nature of the supply chain industry. To thrive in such a dynamic environment, one must have a base level of adaptability. The inevitable challenges that arise in these fluid conditions require strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead a team through change management can be a true differentiator. –Dennis White Vice President, Brokerage, Crowley
Three important skills to develop are 1) the ability to empower teams, 2) maintain a long-term focus, and 3) achieve work/life balance. Efficient supply chain management requires seamless coordination across all links in the chain. A manager needs to provide their teams with the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs well, but they also need to trust their teams and allow them some room to make their own mistakes. Second, a long-term focus is critical. I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, you need to keep your foot on the gas and keep building for the future. And last, no manager is useful to their company, customers, or teams if they are burnt
The most important skill for supply chain management is creative problem-solving. Constantly fluctuating geopolitical and market conditions, like the current crisis in the Red Sea, can create lags in delivery time, forcing companies to implement original solutions to transport products to customers. These situations require imagination to source accurate responses, as unprecedented challenges require unprecedented resolutions. –Tony Harris SVP & Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer SAP Business Network
Gain proficiency in data analytics. As data fuels the next wave of supply chain management, gaining an aptitude for how an organization creates more value from its data will be essential. Be an ecosystem thinker. Take a collaborative approach with other partners in the industry to elevate the customer experience for all customers. Maintain a human touch. B2B communications can often feel stilted, disengaged, and void of heart. Remember your buyers are humans, just like you. They love relatable stories and humanizing communications around how you can benefit their business. – Heather Hoover-Salomon CEO, uShip
and collaboration in navigating disruptions and uncertainties. While technology optimizes operations, empathy drives success and fosters meaningful relationships in the dynamic supply chain. –Jeff Mahler Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Ambi Robotics
Emphasize empathy. Behind every data point, every shipment, and every transaction, there are people—customers, suppliers, partners, and employees— whose experiences need to be understood. Empathy guides us to anticipate concerns, address challenges, and exceed expectations. It fosters resilience
February 2024 • Inbound Logistics 47
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