Fighting the fear factor
I don’t know about you, but whenever a new and exciting opportunity comes my way, I am awash with anxiety. I feel excited and nervous – then the fear factor strikes.
In 2011, I made the leap from the comfort of an industry I had spent my whole procurement career in to new and unchartered (by me) grounds.
When I was offered the opportunity to move into a new role, in both a new company and a new industry, I felt excited and exhilarated… then as the move got closer, the fear factor struck. Would I understand the business? Will I be successful? How will I fit in?
But my fear was unfounded, as it often is. As procurement professionals, we come armed with a strong, diverse and transferable skillset. We work in one of the few business functions that develop well-rounded individuals with robust business acumen. Our toolkit means we can transfer into different industries successfully. Our strong behavioural competencies mean not only do we provide technical solutions, but we also provide effective leadership through exceptional communication, strong influencing skills and stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
So if, like me, you are faced with the fear factor, step back and take a look at what you can offer the business as a procurement professional. You really have very little to fear.
☛ Nicola Bromby is head of policy and procedure / contract specialist at BAA, she is also a Supply Management First Person columnist for 2012.
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Perhaps, procuremet cannot deny the persistent fear of being sacked in view of being generalists in the context of professionals.
I like this post! Reason being I think just like this!
I’ve made some good moves through my career, I started in a Public Sector environment (indirects), then moved into a contract role which was a joint venture between two Private Sector companies servicing a Public Sector contract(FM), then to a FTSE 100 Travel Company (Marketing/Print)and now I work for a fast growing Retailer with 250 highstreet stores(Indirects), yes even in this climate!
I would urge anyone who has any doubts about type of business or size of business to not let it hold them back! As Procurement Professionals we are able to build new relationships quickly, we have a toolkit of adaptable cost saving, efficiencies and leadership weaponry at our disposal!!
Taking a leap into something new will also build your confidence, your network, broaden your skill set and make you even better at what you do.
All the best and a Happy Prosperous New Year!
Darren Fox
darrenjfox@gmail.com
Perfect article and well discovered role of Procurement Professionals!!!
So, taking a leap into something new we also teach people around us that being professionals not only can build the strategy in the companies, but we can build ourselves in efficint way.
@Darren Fox. Fully agree with you and Happy New Year!!!
Very true and this is important for those are considering a career change from one profession to another. For instance i had to shift from a marketing background to procurement and well initially i feared that a crazy move.Three years down the line in the field of procurement i do not have any regrets.
Happy new year!
Nimo A. Hussein
Happy new year, friends. The article is really something common among all people including me, sometimes we are overwhelmed with a task especially in a new position, new task and new environment. But we have to be determine and move on with the hope of making a difference in any assignment we are supposed to undertake.
It has been almost one year since I moved from the construction industry into manufacturing; the move was exciting and challenging. I agree with that the skills are transferable, the tools and techniques we have as procurement professionals makes us the back bone of strategy, governance and savings.
I think fear factor has relevance to the reluctance to change. Whether remaining in the same sector or switching in to new territories, it is inevitable but on the other hand it is essential to have excitement of new challenges.
I personally believe that fear & being cautious is fine. It helps to take the right amount of risk in decision making.