We asked you, via LinkedIn: What piece of advice would you give for building teams? Here’s what you said:
“Give each team member time to speak about how to build the most effective team.”
Michelle Wang, purchasing commercial manager, Rolls-Royce
“None of us is as smart as all of us. Create a space where people feel comfortable to express their opinions.”
Andrew Wallace, senior manager, global procurement, Allergan Biologics
“No rocks. Sponges only.”
Chris Cliffe, procurement consultant
“Procurement doesn’t add value, people do. Invest in people first and the rest will follow.”
Patrick Dunne, CPO, Sainsbury’s
“What skills, experience and capabilities does the business need from its procurement function that gives you a springboard, a mandate to create a great team? Work with members to define their aspirations and bring the two together.”
Richard Scarlett, category manager, distribution, John Lewis Partnership
“Focus on resilience and don’t let any friction fester.”
Laura Daniel, head of commercial management, Sovereign Housing Association
“I regularly tell [my team] they do the work and I’m just a ‘rent a gob’, raising the profile of the team and smoothing obstacles.”
Nikki Rowbottom, head of procurement, The British Library