COLLABORATION
COLLABORATION
State of Flux opinion
It is collaboration that makes SRM work. Collaboration is what makes supplier relationships greater than the sum of their parts. Strategic suppliers are increasingly an extension of every organisation: processes, people, technology and business fortunes are all inextricably linked. Collaboration is vital to managing, developing and sustaining such relationships. Without collaboration SRM is just another governance model. So, what makes for great collaborative supplier relationships? It starts with a clear and compelling cause: the value proposition creates a shared sense of purpose and a ‘one team’ approach. In addition, organisations should look for: • Good governance: creating a governance model that defines individual and collective roles and responsibilities to provide clarity for team members. When they have a clear understanding of their position, each team member will work more effectively, and avoid confusion and unforeseen conflict. • Great teamwork: not just within respective organisations but also between them. By agreeing joint business plans it ensures each team member has a shared responsibility for results and a genuine stake in the outcomes. With this type of focus, a disparate group of individuals with a shared identity and purpose can achieve great things. • Open to new ideas: encouraging team members to question the status quo and innovate. It’s what makes being part of the team exciting and attractive to new members.
• Trust: demonstrating that you can be relied upon to do what you say you are going to do goes a long way towards building trust and breaking down barriers. Team members need to be able to rely on each other and share the same level of commitment, be counted upon, and be there when needed. When team members feel they can trust and depend upon each other then you will have built a genuinely collaborative partnership. • Celebrate success: recognising and celebrating the success of the collective rather than the individual will strengthen the team. Even the most dedicated and committed team will thrive on recognition. Establishing a collaborative environment is just the beginning of a more successful venture. For collaboration to work it must be consistent and purposeful, with resources and rewards dedicated to its success. When team members feel they are a part of something exceptional, it will increase your success exponentially. Collaboration works because there is nothing more meaningful, bond-forming or growth-promoting than a shared win.
90 STATE OF FLUX
2018 GLOBAL SRM RESEARCH REPORT
91
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