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Building Soft Skills in Procurement

Building Soft Skills in Procurement

Tuesday 25th July 2017

Building Soft Skills in Procurement

There is nothing soft about successfully building up a soft skill set within procurement. In soft skills, the word "soft" is used loosely.

"Over the past three years the role that procurement plays has evolved and the result is an increased demand for procurement professionals with a more strategic outlook."
(Law (July 2017) Six of the best procurement skills to have for the future :(http//:www.hays.co.uk/features/HAYS_057692)

It is important to give soft skills the attention they deserve - holding them in the same regard as the more traditional skills linked with procurement - usually the more technical solid skills. There is confusion about which skills fall under the blanket term soft skills to be clear soft skills are primarily seen as emotional intelligence, communication, relationship management and negotiation. This isn't just in relation to suppliers, but extends to stakeholders and all personal interaction within the organisation.

There has been a significant shift in Procurement thinking since late 2014, suggesting a greater emphasis is required to up-skill existing procurement professionals in the following six key areas. These are designed to drive procurement success on an individual level when accompanied with solid skills.

1. Strategic procurement and logical thinking
2. Effective communication
3. Understanding emotional and behavioral cues (body language in negotiation scenario.)
4. Exceptional people and relationship management skills
5. Execution of ideas and strategy
6. Change management