You really don't want to envy the life of a procurement professional. Why? Because it's packed with lots of responsibilities, activities, deadlines, etc.
Truth is, the “procurement hustle" is real!
If you sometimes feel overwhelmed having to juggle multiple projects, tight deadlines and demanding stakeholders; not to worry, continue reading ☺️
Below are some practical tips to help you navigate the procurement hustle without burning out.
📍Recognize the Signs:
First things first, know the signs of stress and burnout. Are you feeling constantly exhausted, irritable or unable to concentrate? Are you plagued by a sense of ineffectiveness or experiencing detachment from your job or perhaps your personal life? Yes? Then it looks like it might be time to take a step back and reassess your working habits.
📍Set Realistic Expectations:
The reward for good work is… more work! Yes, it is tempting to take on every project that comes your way, how else do you want to prove your abilities and readiness for promotion or a more senior role. But you must remember this one thing: you're only human! And there is only so much you can do at a time. For instance, you have three complicated tenders to prepare while reviewing four contract agreements and also planning a kick-off meeting. It is certainly better to do a few things really well than to do many things poorly. Learn to say no when your plate is full, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks when possible.
📍Prioritize Self-Care:
Your mental and physical health should always come first. You really can’t pour from an empty cup. So, beyond the daily procurement hustle, make time for activities and hobbies that recharge your batteries, whether it's exercise, meditation or simply unplugging from work for a while. Something as basic as taking 5 minutes break after every hour of work can help relax the mind and get your creative juices flowing again. Be sure to schedule such breaks in your calendar so that you don’t forget.
📍Break It Down:
When faced with a mountain of tasks, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead of fretting over the mountain of work that needs to be done, focus on breaking your workload into smaller, manageable chunks and tackling them one task at a time. If you’ve been tasked with streamlining your supply base for instance, first break the project into subtasks such as: list procurement categories, identify suppliers in each category, review contracts of main suppliers, compare pricing, schedule negotiations, etc. Breaking tasks down that way, you are much more likely to get the project done seamlessly and quicker. Be sure to celebrate your victories along the way!
📍Communicate Effectively:
Don't be afraid to communicate with your team and stakeholders about your workload and deadlines. Open, honest communication can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress. Juggling too many tasks? Discuss timelines with your boss so that you can prioritize the most important tasks. Need your team to step in and support? Be sure to ask for help; and also offer to assist others when you are able to. That is the beauty of teamwork.
📍Take Breaks:
Remember to take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Whether it's a quick walk outside or a coffee break with a colleague, stepping away from your desk can help clear your mind and boost productivity. When you take a short break in the middle of your work day, it gives your brain a chance to rest, relieves built up tension from stress and improves your overall wellbeing.
📍Seek Support:
Don't hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. Whether it's talking to a trusted colleague, seeking guidance from a mentor, or even seeking professional help, there's no shame in asking for support when you need it. Oftentimes, it helps to talk through daily challenges with a trusted friend or colleague. And if possible, with someone who has experienced same, so that you can benefit from their wealth of experience handling similar situations.
📍Learn to Let Go:
Finally, remember that you can't control everything. Learn to let go of perfectionism and accept that sometimes good enough is, well, good enough. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest. It will all work out fine eventually.
Remember, managing stress and burnout is an ongoing process, so be kind to yourself along the way.
Need one-on-one support in tackling daily procurement struggles? Reach out to support@efemini.com and we'll get you sorted.
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