Key Soft Skills Every Procurement Professional Should Have

"Many are called. Few are chosen..."

If you've ever wondered what separates a competent procurement professional from an exceptional one…

Then, you're in the right spot. When it comes to procurement, technical prowess is just the tip of the iceberg.

The true mark of a successful procurement professional lies in mastering the often-underestimated world of soft skills.

In this blog post, we'll delve into how cultivating key soft skills can amplify your procurement prowess.

1. Negotiation: This is the heartbeat of procurement. If you are going to successfully introduce new procurement initiatives and manage timelines with other departments, you will need good negotiation skills. And if you are going to get the best from suppliers, then you need super negotiation skills! You certainly should hone your negotiation skills to ensure mutually beneficial relationships and agreements.

Now picture a scenario where a supplier proposes higher prices. A skilled negotiator will employ strategic thinking to develop creative solutions ensuring favorable outcomes while maintaining a beneficial partnership.

2. Relationship-Building: Truth is, Procurement transcends transactions; it's about your ability to build rapport & trust and cultivate enduring partnerships. It is the relationship built that enables your stakeholders feel comfortable expressing their needs, concerns and expectations. It is also the relationship built that gets suppliers looking out for your business, suggesting changes that can improve your processes and/or reduce costs.

Here's a tip you can action: Schedule regular check-ins with key suppliers, not just for business matters but to understand their challenges and seek ways to ease them; thereby fostering a more collaborative relationship. 

3. Agile Skills: Agility is very important in the dynamic world of procurement. Agility is what determines the ability of an organization to adapt quickly and effectively to changes in the business environment and market conditions as well as changes in internal needs. Quite simply, you should develop the skill to swiftly adapt to new technologies, market shifts and unforeseen challenges.

Now imagine a sudden disruption in your supply chain that severely disrupts delivery of key supplies from a supplier or two. An agile professional would leverage alternative suppliers, ensuring business continuity with minimal delays.

4. Active Listening: The power of active listening cannot be overstated. Cultivate this skill to gain profound insights into supplier concerns and nuances; and to also comprehend the needs and concerns of internal stakeholders. This will pave the way for smoother negotiations and collaborations.

In your next negotiation, practice listening attentively so that you can discern underlying issues. This will enable you respond appropriately and can lead to more fruitful discussions.

5. Emotional Intelligence: The ability to manage your emotions and understand the emotions of your colleagues and suppliers is a non-negotiable skill. It helps you to resolve conflict, build relationships and maintain a positive working environment.

Here’s a tip for you: Recognize subtle emotional cues during negotiations. Watch out for body language, voice tone/pitch and facial expressions. Responding with emotional intelligence can defuse tensions and contribute to a smoother discussion.

6. Conflict Resolution: So, conflict is inevitable and is something we all have to deal with no matter what profession or what level of career we find ourselves in. Resolving conflict effectively is an art in itself. Work on developing strategies to navigate conflicts and start turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

How do you handle disagreements in your team? A professional adept at conflict resolution would mediate, taking time to understand both sides and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

7. Time Management: Effective time management is the bedrock of productivity. Start exercising conscious control of the time you spend on activities. Prioritize tasks, block out distractions, employ strategic planning and utilize tools for seamless operations.

Here’s a tip you can implement immediately: Utilize time-blocking techniques for critical tasks. Strategic time management ensures deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Remember, as a procurement professional, your technical acumen may set the stage, but it's the mastery of these soft skills that truly elevates you.

Need procurement specific training? Reach out to support@efemini.com and we'll get you sorted.