What Makes a Good Supply Chain Manager

What Makes a Good Supply Chain Manager? - I Think 3 Things

I've been fortunate enough to work with hundreds of supply chain managers over the last few decades. In my day job, I run a management consulting company, Logistics Bureau. Through this role, I’ve collaborated with many different companies and interfaced with countless supply chain managers. Reflecting on this, I've pinpointed the qualities that make the standout supply chain managers so exceptional.

In my experience, three critical elements distinguish the best supply chain managers:

People Skills
Technical Skills
Business Skills

While technical skills are vital, the standout managers are also proficient in business and people skills.

1. Technical Skills

Technical skills are arguably the easiest to acquire. A good supply chain manager needs the right qualifications and relevant experience. Exposure to various industries can be a significant advantage. This breadth of experience enables managers to bring diverse insights to their roles.

2. Business Skills

Understanding supply chain management is just the baseline. The truly great managers understand broader business concepts. They are financially literate and knowledgeable about where supply chain management fits within the overall business strategy. They excel at cross-functional communication, liaising effectively with departments such as sales, marketing, product development, operations, and finance. Moreover, they can communicate with senior managers and the board in a language that resonates with them.

3. People Skills

People skills are the differentiators for outstanding supply chain managers. These are the skills that transform a good manager into a great leader. High Emotional Quotient (EQ), the ability to understand what motivates people, and the skill to delegate effectively are crucial. Great supply chain managers are adept at developing their teams, allowing team members to stretch their capabilities and take on increased responsibilities.

These standout managers also ensure that their teams receive due credit for successes. They recognize that a significant part of leadership is seeing team members succeed and be recognized for their achievements. By fostering an environment of growth and recognition, they build strong, resilient teams.

So, to summarize, the qualities that make for a great supply chain manager involve a mix of technical expertise, business acumen, and exceptional people skills. This combination empowers them to lead, inspire, and drive success within their supply chains.

Keywords

Supply Chain Manager
People Skills
Technical Skills
Business Skills
Emotional Quotient (EQ)
Leadership
Cross-functional Communication
Delegation
Team Development

FAQ

Q1: What qualifications are essential for a supply chain manager?
A1: Relevant qualifications and experience in supply chain management across various industries are crucial.

Q2: Why are business skills important for a supply chain manager?
A2: Business skills enable managers to understand the broader context of their role, communicate effectively with different departments, and contribute strategically to the company's success.

Q3: What people skills set apart the best supply chain managers?
A3: High emotional intelligence, effective delegation, team development, and the ability to allow team members to take credit for successes are key differentiators.

Q4: How do great supply chain managers handle team success?
A4: They ensure that their team members receive recognition for their achievements and foster a culture of growth and development.