From Track to Tactics: Olympic Insights to Supercharge Your Supply Chain Strategy

A kicker on the front page of Daily Nation (Aug 13, 2024) says, “insiders at Athletics Kenya could be aiding in the transfer of young, talented athletes from Kenya to other countries for personal benefit – “ The story titled How greedy athletics chiefs are abetting Kenya’s huge talent drain listed a number of Kenyan athletes who today represent other countries. The piece also goes further to discuss the reasons junior athletes were being easily ‘won’ over by other countries such as a perceived lack of opportunities to represent their mother country.

The United States topped the medal tally, with China and Japan following closely. As I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but feel that Africa, and particularly Kenya, has untapped potential that is not fully realized. The Olympics are a stage where Kenya is expected to shine, yet the results suggest that there is room for improvement. This should prompt leaders to take immediate action to enhance performance, not just in athletics but in their respective fields, including supply chain management.

Prepare for Success Early

The immediate question we should be asking is, are our training facilities up to scratch? Who is checking the diets of the athletes and making sure all the t’s are crossed and I’s doted because there is a science to performance. We need to, one, do a competency assessment, which is an assessment against everybody else, in the whole world. Then secondly, begin grooming the next set of athletes so that we have a big pool. We need to focus on getting the people on the pitch ready.? Just as athletes require years of training and preparation to reach their peak, supply chain leaders must also begin their planning well in advance. The lesson here is clear: early preparation is critical. Celebrating past successes is important, but the real work lies in preparing for the future. This involves identifying potential obstacles such as resource constraints or facility deficiencies that could hinder performance.

In supply chain management, this means conducting a thorough competency assessment and identifying gaps that could become Achilles’ heels if not addressed. By starting the preparation process early, supply chain teams have ample time to fine-tune their strategies, ensure the availability of necessary resources, and cultivate a strong talent pool.

Performance Monitoring and Benchmarking

Another key takeaway from the Olympics is the importance of continuous performance monitoring and benchmarking. For Kenya to improve its global ranking, it needs to set clear, measurable goals and track progress over time. Similarly, supply chain chiefs must implement robust performance tracking systems that align with strategic objectives.

Setting ambitious goals, similar to benchmarking against top competitors like the US and China, can push organizations to strive for excellence. By regularly evaluating progress and adjusting strategies as needed, supply chain leaders can ensure their teams remain on track to achieve their objectives.

Conclusion: Aim for Gold the Olympics may be over, but the lessons learned are invaluable for supply chain management. The path to success lies in early preparation, continuous monitoring, and setting ambitious benchmarks. By adopting these strategies, supply chain chiefs can position their organizations to not only compete but to lead in the global market.