Mission Technologies, a division of HII’s Post

In an era dominated by digital communication, the humble pen holds a transformative power often overlooked in business relations. While emails flit across the globe in seconds, there is a unique authority and gravitas to the handwritten letter that modern methods struggle to match. Consider the practice among top executives like BlackRock’s Larry Fink and Warren Buffett, who choose the pen to convey strategic visions and personal reflections to their stakeholders. Their approach isn't merely about communication—it's about building a narrative that forges deeper connections. In procurement and supplier management, where relationships are crucial, the act of penning a letter can cut through the noise of daily transactions to cement a partnership. It signals respect and commitment to the cause and the counterpart. As we navigate a fast-paced world, let us not forget the power of a personal touch—a well-crafted letter can be a strategic asset in our communication arsenal, potentially turning simple correspondence into a profound business advantage. #ProfitFromTheSource #BusinessCommunication #Leadership #StrategicManagement #RelationshipBuilding #ExecutiveLeadership https://lnkd.in/dSSaXaTH

Great article from a true Category Management expert.

Fantastic article. I hope others read and implement it (maybe even better than the Air Force has implemented it!) The challenge I see is to overcome confusing it with the Federal Category Management Program that uses the same name but is not the same thing at all. The Air Force approach started with a private sector model for Category Management and was slightly adapted for Government rule sets, like Small Business preference. It is still based on requirements analysis and benchmarking to establish rate, process and demand strategy gaps that most of the time do not even indicate a contract solution at all. I think I remember only 11% of the time was a enterprise contract solution determined to be part of the optimal solution. The Federal version is about ordering off of big contracts that may or may not be a true “Best in Class Solution” even though the contract was subjectively named a “Best in Class Contract”. The big risks with that of course are 1) squeezing out small business 2) reducing competition and the worst, 3) raising “dumb” to an enterprise level in higher prices paid or lower mission performance outcomes. Thanks for publishing this important thought leadership piece in partnership with NCMA!

Interesting article. I’ve had the privilege of having this job for 17 years. 😍 In a May 2021 article from the World Economic Forum. Why every organization needs a chief negotiator: “In new research from McKinsey & Company, 93% of business leaders of companies with more than $1 billion in revenue reported “great interest” in introducing a new role to improve negotiating results: that of chief negotiation officer. Furthermore, 70% agreed that a “negotiation centre of excellence” would have a broad impact on negotiation outcomes for their suppliers, customers and M&A efforts.” You don’t have to wait to be a Billion organization, to put in place a CNO. You can have a Fractional CNO in the meantime to build in the capability and culture. #CNO #chiefnegotiationofficer #buildstrongeragreements

It is crucial to emphasize the importance of adhering to established procedures while consistently assessing and enhancing these processes to guarantee their effectiveness and alignment with the organization's requirements. This approach enables organizations to foster a culture in which adherence to procedures becomes an integral aspect of daily operations, ultimately contributing to sustained success and growth. Luigi Sil.

We Spoke to Tony Ball (Managing Director, MadiganGill, formerly C3 Alliance) about the importance of the supply chain, and with the ongoing issues in the Red Sea, now's a better time than ever to reacquaint yourself with your supply chain. Efficient design requires integration of the supply chain to streamline operations and optimise resources. Service Level Relationships with manufacturers are crucial for ensuring business resilience by maintaining consistent quality and timely deliveries. Collaboration among stakeholders can deliver cost savings without compromising competitive tension, fostering a mutually beneficial environment for all parties involved. 🔗 Our book has over eighty articles like this one from industry professionals - to get yourself a FREE copy, fill in our short survey: https://buff.ly/3wCgmbc #ResidentialConstruction #SupplyChain #RedSea #Efficiency #Streamlining #ConstructionTraining #ConstructionBook #ThoughtLeadership

Leaders are most effective in the last year of their unit because they follow this simple formula: Consistently demonstrate compliance and agreement, refrain from lodging complaints or challenges against the process, avoid filing any request masts, Article 138s, or IG complaints, interpret and act on the unspoken expectations of your superior discreetly, maintain a favorable rapport with the decision-makers, and ensure not to antagonize them.

Marino Associates advocates for simplification and agility in the supply chain, crucial in today's fast-paced business landscape. With rapid changes in availability, pricing, and global expansion, embracing change is key. Consider these compelling reasons to prioritize simplification and agility: - Only 9% of Fortune 500 companies from 1955 remain on the list today - The average S&P 500 company lifespan has decreased from 67 to 15 years in a century - Shifting to purpose-driven management is essential - Supply chain management holds significant importance To navigate change effectively, leverage tools like Value Stream Mapping, 6S, Kanban, and Lean Techniques. Marino Associates stands ready to guide your journey toward operational excellence and increased profitability. Connect with Dan Marino at 860-558-8564 or email [email protected]. Explore more at www.dmarinoassociates.com. Embrace simplicity and agility to thrive in the modern business landscape. #SupplyChain #Agility #Simplification

Just finished the course “Managing Up, Down, and Across the Organization” by Kevin Eikenberry! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/dSSmEMec #buildingeffectiverelationships.

Building strong relationships with your strategic suppliers goes beyond just negotiation and contracts. Regular communication and collaboration are key to ensuring a win-win partnership. That's where quarterly business reviews (QBRs) come in. QBRs offer an opportunity to: ➡️ Review performance: Assess progress against agreed-upon goals, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes. ➡️ Gain deeper insights: Understand your supplier's challenges and opportunities, allowing for better collaboration and adjustments. ➡️ Align on future goals: Discuss upcoming projects, industry trends, and potential innovations, fostering a forward-thinking approach. ➡️ Strengthen trust and commitment: Regular interaction builds rapport and reinforces the value proposition of the partnership. ➡️ Lastly, it’s a good opportunity to review if you are still getting the value you need from this relationship. If your needs change, sometimes your supplier needs to change too. By making QBRs a priority, you can optimize your supply chain, boost innovation, and minimize risks. #logistics #supplychainmanagement #suppliermanagement