People who’ve been around Procurement for a little while have learned there’s a significant difference between managers and leaders: Managers are made. Leaders are born.

As part of Procurement employee evaluations, managers often wrap up by asking the staffer where he or she is headed. Some say they’re content staying in the trenches and keeping Procurement running smoothly from the position they now hold.

Others aspire to higher places in the Procurement hierarchy. This is a tip-off to you to begin the winnowing process, to make sure you’re positioning the right people where they need to be. Now’s the best time to determine if this person has the potential to develop as a leader, more than just a manager.

 Here are five traits to look for that’ll help tip you off as to whether you’re dealing with leader material, or just someone seeking more recognition:

• Risk-taking. Sometimes being a good leader means knowing when to go that extra mile, even when it’s not always a popular decision. Also critical is having the confidence to know that a risk is worth taking.
• Adaptability. Can staffers go with the flow, or does the mere suggestion of change send them running for the hills? In Procurement, priorities and interests can change on a daily basis. Only someone prepared to be flexible will be able to thrive in a leadership role.
• Problem-solving. Not everything a leader’s asked to do fits like comfy slippers. They may be comfortable in Procurement, but not quite so at ease in IT or budget planning. A great leader possesses the core leadership skills that should be able to guide him or her through any situation.
• Communication skills. Working with someone who doesn’t follow through or doesn’t pay attention is a frustrating experience. A good leader knows how to listen to co-workers and ask the right questions at the right time.
• Persuasion. When that one vendor wouldn’t budge, could this managerial candidate talk him down and work out a deal? He or she could be your next great leader. The ability to make persuasive arguments is a winning trait in any company.

Tags: procurement, risk-taking, vendor