How do you learn from successful supply chain and logistics leaders?

1 Find role models

One of the best ways to learn from successful supply chain and logistics leaders is to find role models who inspire you and align with your goals and values. You can look for role models in your own organization, industry, network, or online platforms. You can also follow influential authors, speakers, consultants, or educators who share their knowledge and experience on supply chain and logistics topics. Once you find your role models, study their background, achievements, challenges, and strategies. Try to understand their mindset, vision, and values. See how they approach problems, make decisions, and communicate with others.

2 Seek feedback

Another way to learn from successful supply chain and logistics leaders is to seek feedback from them. Feedback can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in your supply chain and logistics projects and performance. You can seek feedback from your managers, mentors, peers, customers, or suppliers who have more experience or expertise than you in this field. You can also seek feedback from external sources, such as online communities, forums, or blogs where supply chain and logistics professionals exchange ideas and advice. When you seek feedback, be open-minded, respectful, and curious. Ask specific questions, listen actively, and thank them for their input.

3 Apply best practices

A third way to learn from successful supply chain and logistics leaders is to apply best practices that they have developed or adopted in their work. Best practices are proven methods, techniques, or standards that can help you improve your supply chain and logistics processes, performance, and outcomes. You can learn about best practices from books, articles, podcasts, webinars, or courses that feature supply chain and logistics leaders or experts. You can also learn about best practices from case studies, benchmarks, or awards that showcase successful supply chain and logistics projects or organizations. When you apply best practices, be flexible, adaptable, and creative. Adapt them to your specific context, goals, and resources.

4 Experiment and innovate

A fourth way to learn from successful supply chain and logistics leaders is to experiment and innovate in your own supply chain and logistics projects. Experimentation and innovation can help you test new ideas, solutions, or approaches that can enhance your supply chain and logistics performance and value. You can experiment and innovate by using data, analytics, tools, or technologies that can help you optimize your supply chain and logistics operations, planning, or design. You can also experiment and innovate by collaborating with other supply chain and logistics stakeholders, such as partners, customers, or suppliers, who can bring new perspectives, insights, or opportunities. When you experiment and innovate, be curious, courageous, and resilient. Learn from your failures, successes, and feedback.

5 Reflect and grow

A fifth way to learn from successful supply chain and logistics leaders is to reflect and grow from your own supply chain and logistics experiences and outcomes. Reflection and growth can help you evaluate your supply chain and logistics performance, results, and impact. You can reflect and grow by using tools, such as self-assessment, journaling, or coaching, that can help you analyze your supply chain and logistics actions, decisions, and behaviors. You can also reflect and grow by using frameworks, such as SWOT, SMART, or PDCA, that can help you set, monitor, and achieve your supply chain and logistics goals and objectives. When you reflect and grow, be honest, critical, and proactive. Identify your gaps, opportunities, and actions.

6 Learn continuously

A sixth way to learn from successful supply chain and logistics leaders is to learn continuously from various sources, formats, and channels that can enrich your supply chain and logistics knowledge and skills. Continuous learning can help you keep up with the changing trends, challenges, and opportunities in the supply chain and logistics field. You can learn continuously by reading, watching, listening, or attending relevant and updated supply chain and logistics content, such as books, blogs, podcasts, videos, or events. You can also learn continuously by participating, contributing, or networking in active and diverse supply chain and logistics communities, such as groups, forums, or associations. When you learn continuously, be curious, motivated, and committed. Seek new information, perspectives, and experiences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?