Insights from participants in the AWESOME Symposium in May 2013.
Because the supply chain will continue to play a more significant and more strategic role in the overall success of an enterprise in today’s global economy, leaders must expand and improve their skills accordingly.
The quality mentioned most often by Symposium participants as being critical to future supply chain leadership is to be a business leader as well as a functional leader. Participants suggested supply chain leaders should have experience in a variety of roles so they understand what it takes to deliver superior financial performance as well as the cause and effect. Being able to apply business acumen is described as “really getting out of our silos, understanding the compelling business need and what is the value we can bring.” Along with understanding the value of the supply chain, leaders should be able to provide visibility internally – to other divisions and to top management — about that value.