?? Build a Public Service / Procurement Culture So Strong That Talent Wants to Stay ??

By: Chris Smith, MBA, PMP, VCA, VCARM, CSSYBD

Date: 02/09/2025

Steve Jobs once said, “You hire smart people not to tell them what to do, but so they can tell you what to do.” He also believed in creating a culture so compelling, innovative, and fulfilling that while top talent has the freedom to leave, they don’t want to.

?? Imagine a workplace where Day 1 feels like Year 1—where from the moment a new team member walks through the door (or logs into their first remote meeting), they feel valued, supported, and empowered. There’s no “waiting period” to belong. No “prove yourself first” probation. Instead, they are immediately welcomed, trained, and trusted as a vital part of the team.

?? High-Performance Teams Invest in People from Day 1—Not Day 366

The best state and local governments, public procurement teams, and high-performing organizations don’t just talk about culture. They live it. They understand that success isn’t just about policies and procedures—it’s about people, purpose, and passion.

?? They create environments where employees don’t just “work”—they thrive, innovate, and feel deeply connected to the mission.

Let’s break it down…

?? 5 Ways to Build a Strong, Magnetic Culture Where People Stay

1?? Hire for Passion, Train for Excellence ????

Hiring isn’t about finding someone to fill a role—it’s about finding people who believe in the mission. But hiring is just the beginning. Day 1 matters more than Day 366.

? Imagine: A new employee walks in, and instead of paperwork and waiting, they are immediately assigned a mentor, taken on a welcome tour (virtually or in person), and given access to world-class training tools. Their boss meets with them, not in six months, but that very first day, to talk about their future, goals, and growth. They don’t feel like they have to earn their place—they already belong.

?? What doesn’t happen? No "We’ll train you later." No "Let’s see how you do first." No "Check back in a year." The best teams invest immediately because the best talent deserves it.

2?? Recurring Learning & Certifications—Not Just Once, but Always ????

In high-performance teams, training is not a one-time event—it’s a lifeline. Employees aren’t just given a manual and wished "good luck." Instead, they are:

?? Enrolled in industry-leading certifications (VCA, CPPB, CPPO, PMP, CPSM, etc.) from Day 1. ?? Encouraged to attend conferences, workshops, and leadership training. ?? Given access to innovation labs, peer-learning groups, and mentorship programs.

?? Think about this: Imagine working somewhere that hands you your first professional certification enrollment on your first day, not after a probation period. Where your boss sends you to a conference in your first six months instead of making you “wait your turn.” That’s how you keep top talent.

3?? Celebrate Wins—Big & Small ????

People don’t stay in places where they feel invisible. They stay where they feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

?? Great leaders don’t wait for annual awards to celebrate their teams.

? Imagine: A new employee submits their first procurement request—and the whole team claps, cheers, and shouts them out in a group chat or Slack channel. ???? They didn’t change the world (yet), but they made an impact, and that matters.

?? Organizations with frequent, meaningful recognition—from public awards to simple shoutouts—have higher retention, happier employees, and stronger teams.

The best leaders don’t fear losing employees—they celebrate them, support them, and build an environment so rewarding that leaving feels like a step down, not up.

4?? Empower Teams to Innovate & Lead ???

A strong culture isn’t just about keeping people—it’s about letting them lead, create, and push boundaries.

?? Picture this: Instead of waiting for years to get decision-making authority, a new hire is given ownership of a meaningful project in their first few months. They are encouraged to challenge processes, suggest improvements, and think differently—not just follow orders.

?? The best organizations don’t say “Wait until you’re more senior.” They say “What ideas do you have now?”

?? People stay when they feel trusted to contribute—not when they feel like they’re just a cog in the machine.

5?? Make Purpose, Vision & Mission the Core ????

Top talent stays where they feel connected to something bigger than themselves.

?? Imagine if every employee, from interns to executives, could confidently say: ? “I know exactly why my work matters.” ? “I believe in the mission of my team.” ? “I feel connected to the bigger picture.”

?? The best organizations make sure employees hear their mission, vision, and values every single day—not just on a plaque or website, but in how they work, lead, and serve.

?? The Best Teams Don’t Fear Losing Talent—They Focus on Building It

High-performing organizations in public procurement, government, and beyond don’t operate from a mindset of scarcity or fear.

? They don’t ask, “What if we invest in our people and they leave?” ? They ask, “What if we don’t invest in them and they stay?”

The Bottom Line: Invest in People, and They Invest Back

When we prioritize: ?? Strong onboarding from Day 1 ?? Ongoing training, certifications, and leadership development ?? Frequent recognition and career growth opportunities ?? Innovation and trust in employee-led ideas ?? A clear, compelling mission and purpose

…we create a culture where people don’t want to leave—not because they have to stay, but because they genuinely want to.

?? What’s One Way Your Organization Invests in People From Day 1?

Drop a comment below and let’s share best practices! Let's build workplaces where great minds come to grow, lead, and stay—not because they have to, but because they want to.

#PublicProcurement #Leadership #Innovation #HighPerformanceCulture #TalentRetention #ProcurementExcellence #ContinuousImprovement #StrongerTogether ????

About the Author - Chris Smith, MBA, PMP, VCA, VCARM, CSSYB

Chris Smith is a seasoned and accomplished public procurement professional with over a decade of experience dedicated to advancing excellence, innovation, and strategic value in public service. With a proven track record in contract management, vendor relations, compliance, and supply chain optimization, Chris has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in procurement operations.

Chris holds an Executive MBA from Virginia Tech, where he honed his leadership and strategic management skills to align with the ever-evolving demands of public procurement. Additionally, he holds prestigious certifications including PMP (Project Management Professional), VCA (Virginia Contracting Associate Officer), and VCARM (Virginia Contract Administration and Risk Management), reflecting his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and expertise in his field.

Throughout his career, Chris has played a pivotal role in streamlining procurement processes, implementing cutting-edge eProcurement solutions, and building collaborative partnerships with vendors and stakeholders. His efforts have resulted in significant cost savings, enhanced operational agility, and improved service delivery for the public sector. He is passionate about driving initiatives that align procurement strategies with organizational missions, visions, and objectives, ensuring that public spending delivers maximum value to communities.

Chris is a recognized thought leader and advocate for the procurement profession. He actively participates in leading industry organizations such as NIGP (The Institute for Public Procurement), NASPO (National Association of State Procurement Officials), and VAGP (Virginia Association of Governmental Procurement). Chris contributes to shaping the future of procurement by sharing insights on emerging trends, best practices, and the critical role of innovation and ethics in public service.

Chris is deeply committed to continuous learning and professional development. He mentors aspiring procurement professionals, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability in navigating the complexities of modern procurement. His mission is to empower individuals and organizations to excel in their roles, achieve measurable results, and contribute to building high-performing, transparent, and accountable procurement cultures.

Outside of work, Chris loves to travel, watch movies, and enjoy sports, especially baseball, where he is affectionately known as the "Baseball Bat Man" for his extensive collection of sports memorabilia. His impressive collection includes thousands of sports cards, bobbleheads, game-used jerseys, and over 10,000 Major League Baseball game-used bats.

Chris also has a deep appreciation for history and enjoys sharing his knowledge by leading ghost history tours around Washington, DC, and Old Town Alexandria (historically part of Old DC for decades). His passion for connecting with people, whether through his professional expertise or personal interests, underscores his dedication to making an impact in both his career and his community.

Chris Smith is not just a procurement professional; he is a champion for the continuous evolution of the field, working tirelessly to elevate standards, embrace innovation, and ensure that public procurement remains a cornerstone of effective governance.

???? Let's Rise to the Top Together! ??

I’m like Leo the Lion—strong, bold, and ready to connect with fellow professional leaders who share my passion, energy, and drive for impactful leadership. Together, we can collaborate, dream big, and aim higher than ever—because there’s always room for everyone at the top!

Let’s dream, think bigger, and shoot for Mars or the moon, knowing that even if we miss, we’ll still find ourselves among the stars! ??

Let’s connect! Send me a request, follow me, or drop me a message—I’d love to hear your thoughts and engage with your ideas. Your comments and DMs truly make my day, and I’m excited to build a meaningful professional relationship with you here on LinkedIn.

Connect here -->: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/chris-smith-mba/

Carpe Diem—Every Diem! Let’s Go! ???? #LetsConnect #Leadership #DreamBig #Collaboration #ShootForTheStars #UnlimitedPotential

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