When the Stars (or Circles) Align – Part 2

In Part 1, I introduced a graphic of three overlapping circles, and described the sweet spot where all three overlap. I then suggested that readers take a few minutes to think about the three situations where one of the three elements are missing; i.e. only two circles overlap.

Let’s briefly review the possibilities:

For example, Procurement has a Strategic Role, and the Company is on a burning platform; BUT, Procurement does not have the capability to deliver because it is missing one or more of the necessary ingredients for success. We see that often.

Or, Procurement has a Strategic Role, and Procurement has the capability to deliver; BUT, the Company has no urgency to act (perhaps it is making a lot of money right now). That can be a real challenge, but it is possible to gain senior management’s interest and support even if there is no burning platform at the moment.

Or the third intersection of just two circles: Procurement has the capability to delivery, and the Company has urgency to act; BUT, there is not yet a well-understood or authorized Strategic Role for Procurement. This is a common problem as well.

Have some fun with this graphic and see if you and your colleagues agree on your current state. Then, determine if you are satisfied with the current state, or want things to change.

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MR