The biggest challenge facing many Procurement pros today? Finding the best ways to protect your position (and employment, for that matter).

Fortunately, there’s an answer: Experts have laid out a three-step plan that can help keep you on target and out of the cross-hairs.

1. Stand behind the boss — without kicking him or her in the butt. You never, never want to criticize your boss to a co-worker. You have no control what’ll happen to that information after it leaves your lips. Once it gets back to the boss, it’s likely you’ll find yourself being pushed off the fast-track and into the junkyard. If you must criticize, frame it around yourself. “I’ll be in a much better position to nail this project and help our company if I had …”
2. Rise above the crowd — without trampling your co-workers. Develop your personal talents and look for opportunities to show your creativity. Sharpen your language skills, so your written communications make a positive impact (and don’t embarrass you). Demonstrate to your boss that you’re comfortable thinking “out of the box.”
3. Offer solutions — instead of simply pointing out problems. If you’re bringing a problem to the boss, have at least one solution prepared and tucked in your pocket. No boss likes having a whiner who only complains without offering hope.  This also demonstrates that you’re a solution-oriented employee, which can lead to a bigger payoff down the road.

Tags: boss, procurement, solution