Collaborative Technology

First published by Chris Richardson on Winddle, state of the art procurement software platform April 6, 2016 .

Today your new procurement system goes live!

Finance has signed off on it.

The I.T geeks are looking more clever than usual, and your procurement team can’t wait to jump in and get down and dirty with it!

Awesome!

But hang on… As a leader, how can you merge this new software application with your people skills to elevate your biz opportunities?

Interested?

Here’s one small, quick and simple thing you can do: It’s called getting personal…in a good way – which is the foundation of any collaborative relationship, be it a colleague sitting next to you or a supplier on the other side of the planet.

So how do we retain that human element while using technology to collaborate?

Trust and rapport building 101

As humans, we value that highly.

We can’t let that go when working with collaborative technology.

Now this doesn’t happen overnight and it takes a little bit of work and awareness to develop.  And yeah, we are all time poor at work, and going out of our way to do something extra, can be a big ask sometimes.

Suck it up princess!

Get this little thing right and it can be a secret weapon for bonding with strangers, who can turn into preferred suppliers, buyers, colleagues or your most reliable noodle home delivery dude on a scooter!

And it’s powerful Stuff.

But let’s get back to your PC, Tablet or Smarty Pants Phone:

So you’ve logged on, and you start connecting with Joe Blow, who you would like to get some data from to make a start on that new project.

Instead off starting off with, “Hi Joe I need X, Y and Z, ASAP by 2pm.” Take an extra 15 seconds or a hundred key strokes, and start to form some connection with him. It’s called small talk.

“Hey Joe, exciting times ahead this new platform we’re on is going to make things easier for us! I’ll be able to start my weekend earlier and get some Skiing, the powder great this time of year…please forward….!”

You’ve told him about one of your interests, whilst requesting what you need or want from him, and he will probably come back with something.

“Hi Karen, no snow over here, sounds fun, got a big Footy game this week, semi-finals, I will get that data to you……”

BAM!

You’re being human and starting to connect. Nurture this over time. Of course be mindful of what you say and disclose and being careful of any gender, politics and religious taboos. But you know that!

Now there are always exceptions to rules…

If you’re in real time dialogue with a group, then this chit chat needs to be selectively used. You can’t bust in and start going on about a great holiday deal your partner just texted to you, in the middle of important analysis of dollars and delivery dates!

Maybe a mention at the end of the decision making process, or part of your farewells for the day. Of course you may want to share the deal details or ask them what they have planned for their evening.

Sometimes a simple “what’s for dinner tonight” might work!

People want to do business and collaborate with real humans.

And sometimes it’s the trivial things of our lives that can connect us to others in a good way.

So go forth, be friendly, personable and work that new collaborative technology platform like a procurement pro!

Catch ya later,

Chris Richardson.

Chris Richardson works with Supply Chain Companies to decrease workplace Absenteeism, reduce WorkCover claims, and increase employee Motivation and Productivity.

He provides workplace training and mentoring for Supervisors and Managers in leadership and people skills to enhance communication with their teams, suppliers and customers.

With 30+ years of expertise in Health, Education and Business, Chris has helped companies Attract and Retain their Supply Chain professionals.

Contact chris@productiveminds.com.au or visit www.productiveminds.com.au