I had a chance to learn from Harry Black yesterday as he shared his illustrious career in a CAPPO webinar for over an hour - and I've plucked the top ten quotes you will find now in the condensed podcast!
- Public Procurement is a part of the backbone of who I have become from a professional standpoint - I still rely on the principles and practices today as a city manager.
- We established a procurement training institute - we were able to get everyone, all 1700 individuals, NIGP certified within a year and a half.
- We were implementing one of the first automated procurement systems in the country... a standalone network for the procurement operations.
- I approach being the city manager as what it is - the CEO of a corporation... what I try to do is elevate the role of procurement in the organization.
- You have to be very problem-solving, solution-oriented, and optimistic.?There is nothing that goes on in the organization that procurement can't be a part of solving the problem, but you have to be there and engaged to do that, and over time people will see that.
- Our vendors are our partners,?They are helping us be successful.
- Cities and organizations are going to have to embrace strategic, seamless staff augmentation because you can't hire people fast enough and we aren't developing people enough to go into these professions.
- A little-known fact, which is a scary fact - more than 60% of all public sector employees - federal, state, or local - are either retirement eligible or near eligible in the next three years.?We are on the precipice of a crisis, not just in procurement but across the board.
- You have to be a good communicator to be able to tell someone you can't do this or this isn't the right thing to do with the finesse to get through.
- Look a lot, listen a lot, and study - study the history of public procurement... that is going to help the practical policies and procedures make sense to you every day.
What stands out to you? Check the podcast in link in the comments for more!
Government Budget and Finance Professional
2 年Great government procurement advice from Mr. Harry Black. I had the pleasure of working with him in Cincinnati.
Director, Purchasing at Broward County, Florida
2 年All great observations, real, valid, and applicable for the procurement team in any organization. Thank you for sharing.
Helping public sector organizations work smarter by leveraging performance mgt, data, lean techniques and strategy
2 年Dustin, it was great talking shop and uplifting public contracting and procurement. This expertise has served me well throughout my career.
EssentialKonnections
2 年Great article. I share it with my boss and the Procurement Team. It really does affirm the value Procurement brings to the table.
Local Government | Public Procurement | Communications
2 年Many many bombs dropped during this conversation by the both of you. As a city-level procurement professional, these points are all music to my ears! Great stuff I hope everyone takes a listen.