When the Stars (or Circles) Align
April 17, 2012 - SCMR Editorial
I’m sure you have seen this idea: someone creates a graphic involving three circles in staggered overlap. Where two of the circles overlap, something occurs. (There are three possibilities for two of the circles to overlap).
Where all three circles overlap (just one scenario), something even more dramatic or significant occurs or is implied.
I’ve been thinking about how to adapt this simple graphical technique to some of the themes that my colleagues and I have written about, and talk about at conferences (and help our clients overcome). The Figure below is one example.

In the case where all three circles overlap, there is a “sweet spot.” All key factors needed for success are present: Procurement has a strategic role in the company; Procurement has the appropriate resources, talent, processes, skills and organization (and thus the Capability to deliver); and the Company is on a burning platform (thus there is urgency to act).
Take a few minutes and think about the three situations where one key element is missing; i.e. only two circles overlap. What would you say happens then? Does one of those scenarios describe your current state?
More in the next posting.
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