When I think about procurement professionalism, I believe that confidence and fast decision-making are two critical components. As a procurement professional, I’m constantly faced with decisions that require quick and effective action. Whether it’s selecting a long-term supplier or dealing with a sudden supply disruption, I need to make the right call at the right time.
In my view, making high-quality decisions in a short amount of time is a necessary competency for success in procurement and business. That’s why when we created the SPSM® Certification in 2004, we designed the exam to require test takers to make decisions on the spot. There’s no skipping around questions or bookmarking them for later – you have to choose the best course of action in the moment.
I believe that earning the SPSM® Certification signifies that a procurement professional has mastered the art of decision-making. It shows that they have what it takes to rise to the top of their company, whether in procurement or senior management. (whitejasmine.com) And I’m proud to say that the hundreds of procurement professionals who have earned the SPSM® credential embody this spirit.
I understand that not everyone likes the “no chance to return to a question” feature of the SPSM® exam. We once gave a refund to someone who enrolled in the Senior Professional in Supply Management® Program because they didn’t like this aspect of the exam. But I firmly believe that fear of decision-making is not something we want to see in professionals who hold the SPSM® credential.
To be a professional in procurement, we need to know our craft inside and out. We need to be confident and fast decision-makers, and we need to make procurement look easy to outsiders. Good decision-making skills are essential to professionalism, and we must master them to be seen as credible professionals in the field.
“Professionalism is not just about being an expert in your field. It encompasses a whole range of qualities and skills, such as good communication, reliability, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.” – Unknown
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Recommended Reading
- SPSM vs CPO Suite
- The Negotiation Before The Negotiation, Part II
- Negotiation Power
- Direct Procurement Examples
- The First Steps of International Sourcing
- Supplier Development Definition
- Fleet Basics
- Procurement for Cruise Ships
- Procurement as an Insurance Policy?
- Amazon’s Supply Chain Success the Leveraging of Critical Factors
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