The writing was on the wall.
I’d been at the company long enough to see it’s cyclical nature and the leadership challenges at the top. We were going nowhere fast and I knew what my career trajectory looked like if I stayed. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I had to leave.
Looking back, I knew before I knew.
The machine
That’s the thing about procurement. You get to see the inner workings of the machine. Each cog, lever, and all the hidden failure points. You work with everyone, everywhere.
In many cases, it’s a huge opportunity. You can fix the machine and help drive a more efficient operation. Rebuild the business from the inside out. Help your colleagues, which in turn helps the company. You grow, together.
However, the opposite is true, too. It can be a challenge not worth your effort. An uphill battle. A constant reminder daily that leadership isn’t interested in evolving the business. They, too, have been their long enough to see the story unfold. And sadly, worry more about their personal survival then that of the team, the business. Sunk cost.
Line of sight
If you’re truly embedded in the business, you see this before it’s coming. By working with everyone, you get a sense of what’s working and what’s not. You definitely try to do your best, but with little, if any authority, sometimes it’s foolish to continue. And it can hurt your career. Double wammy.
I know, as much as you try to uncover this during the interview process, it can be difficult to do. It’s why I encourage practitioners to ask for more interviews, with more people across the organization. Ask the tough questions, dig deep. Surprisingly, it’s helpful in many ways.
You learn more about the company and what’s actually happening
You’re seen as someone invested in their career and they appreciate your curiosity and rigor
You really know if this place is for you
Due diligence on steroids.
Ownership
The short of it is you own your career. All of it.
At times it’ll feel like others are in charge, but they’re not. Sure, they have a title and you report to them, but that’s not entirely true. You can always leave. And sometimes, that’s the best move.
There’s no need to suffer. You deserve better.
See you next week,
Mat
ps. You may know I served in the military so probably no surprise I think like this… but here’s a book written by a former Navy Seal: Extreme Ownership.
