To the “New” Generation of Future Supply Chain Leaders: Soak in the Knowledge and Carry a Notebook

There is something incredibly special and energizing about the “new generation” of supply chain professionals who are a few years out of college with great ideas and new sets of eyes on ways to solve problems and work smarter. I am all about streamlining and doing things better, so I tend to be someone who embraces learning new things from teammates who might sometimes be younger than my children. That’s a reality check for me – but it is a cool reality that I genuinely appreciate being a part of at this point in my career.

I passionately believe we can all learn so much from each other. The knowledge and ideas across a multi-generational workforce are powerful! But here is where I am going to offer up some unsolicited suggestions for folks who may be early in their careers and hoping to climb whatever ladder is important to you. 

Learn from someone you admire

Most people are drawn to others who either inspire them or have created an environment that makes others feel comfortable. You will notice yourself aligning thoughts & ideas in your mind about how you like or dislike the way people manage through certain issues or situations. Use every experience for good whether you agree or disagree with someone else’s approach as all the experiences are impactful for your future self. 

Learn everything you can from people who emulate the qualities and knowledge in the areas where you want to be stronger. Ask them questions. Learn what you can about what has worked for them; what has been challenging; what suggestions would they have for you at this point in your own career? Invite yourself into their world and try to learn as much as possible from people who have managed through experiences that you have yet to encounter. It will help you overall and will build relationships when you are open to learning from others. 

Stay humble

I have seen my fair share of up-and-comers allow their aspirations to impact their ego, and that can be challenging to shake off. Having goals and working toward hitting those goals is fantastic! Yes! I love goals and my competitive self absolutely needs defined targets personally and professionally. So set those goals and charge hard toward each one with energy and excitement. 

However, it is important that you keep this balanced and never – ever – think that what you do is any more important than any other job in your company. All roles in this world and in your organization are important so appreciate the function they support as a portion of the puzzle that you happen to be part of as well. Humility in business is important so do not disregard that or believe any different – even if a textbook or some random article says otherwise. It has and will always matter. 

Approaching your role and responsibilities with a sense of humility helps people to see you as more approachable and more willing to collaborate and be helpful. It does not matter if you went to an Ivy League school or a community college or never stepped foot onto a college campus – and the same is also true of your teammates. 

When you are baking a cake, you need various ingredients to be sure the flavor and texture are exactly right.  Every role in an organization is an ingredient that is equally critical to the ultimate success of that cake! Whether you are the icing or the batter – they are equally important.

Be patient

Now for an especially important piece of advice that I want you to read twice. 

Be patient and learn.

I love energy, new ideas, creative thinking, fresh perspectives, and collaboration that comes through teamwork and different experiences all coming together. I genuinely appreciate the creativity I see entering the supply chain profession and am excited to see the future of supply chain & logistics with “the next generation”. 

But there are some things that just cannot happen with a mouse click, social media expertise, and high expectations. Those things are important and most definitely part of the ingredients to bake the cake – but perfecting that recipe sure does get better over time, right?

Remain patient as you learn and understand that experiences are all setting the foundation for your future self. Take lots of notes and do not be afraid to ask for help if needed – the goal is to get better and not to be perfect. Being patient in your career and learning all you can learn will make you better in 5 years, 10 years, or – like me – 25 years later. Do good work and contribute positively every day, and your success – however you may define success - will come. 

Isn't the cake so much better when all the ingredients come together?

Enjoy the supply chain career ride and don’t forget your notebook!