President's Article Initiating Supply Management Excellence By Beatrice S. Wiest, C.P.M., President NAPM-Orange County, Inc.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” — Albert Einstein

I sit here listening to Cellist Yo-Yo Ma while I write this article wondering how his music is supposed to be calming and inspirational when all it is doing for me at the moment is vibrating on the one nerve I have left. Every month while writing the President’s Message for the Spotlight I wonder if it would be acceptable to use my imagination and express my concerns and feelings, or must my entire article be dedicated to the proverbial w...?

In wondering these questions come to mind.

...Who is doing it?
...What is being done?
...Why is it being done?
...When will it be done?
...Where will it be done?

I was just reading the article in the Inside Supply Management MagazineTM , April 2002, written by Ricardo R. Fernandez, P.E., C.P.M., titled, “Did you say what I thought you said?” For those who have not read it, the article focuses on communication.

The key attributes of a skilled communicator that guarantee your message gets across.

• Creates a relationship-based culture
• Create an atmosphere of trust
• Ethical
• Involve yourself
• Everlasting
• Collaborative

Additional skills require to be a good communicator.

• Is prepared
• Sets the climate
• Sets a framework for the discussion
• Listens to others
• Looks for issues to agree on
• Is forward thinking
• Learns and adjusts

Additionally, Joseph A. Yacura, Senior Vice President, World Wide Procurement American Express indicates what their company is looking for:

     “We’re looking for people with not only communication ability but good listening skills. As we take the procurement profession from a transaction function to a more strategic role as a consultant that provides knowledge and expertise, communication is absolutely critical in order to satisfy the customer.”

I guess I find the communication and the interpretation of what I say the most difficult, as we all bring different points of reference, culture, upbringing and life experiences into each one of our communication efforts. Therefore, it is incumbent to me, as a communicator, to make sure others receive and perceive my message in the same way it was intended, and not as a point of contention.

It is amazing how our job description has changed over time. Originally, we were the “necessary evil” viewed by many as an impediment to business, now we are being viewed as a “profit center” and a valuable resource within a company. Therefore, we need to prepare ourselves for being more than just a buyer, we need to become skilled communicators and be able to look at the whole picture.

We need to become more strategic and less tactical, to think outside of the box and to really develop an enthusiasm for cycle time reduction. That way, we can track our successes and publish our accomplishments.

HAPPENINGS IN ORANGE COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS:

Elections were held at our last dinner meeting on April 16, 2002. In addition we accepted absentee ballots at the office. I am pleased to announce that the affiliate re-elected one board member, and elected two new ones. They are:

Alta Cardiff, C.P.M. (incumbent)
Joe Polance, C.P.M., A.P.P.
Chrys Varnes, C.P.M.

These individuals will be installed at the June Dinner meeting along with the new executive board.

FORUM:

To be held on Friday, May 17th at the Coastline Community College Center in Garden Grove. Although the early bird registration discount has passed, registrations are still being accepted. Two of the classes will have “limited space”availability due to equipment limitations. I urge you to sign up NOW!

WORKSHOP CANCELLATION:

The “Principles of Highly Effective Negotiations” workshop has been canceled due to below optimum registration. I know Merle, who was all prepared to teach this class has been disappointed, let’s hope he tries it again next fiscal year as the topic is of current interest.

Now soothing music by Enya is playing as I conclude by article. My “swan song” will be published in June as my term expires. I hope my expression of feelings has not caused me to go over the top with this one.