Are you prepared for the supply chain talent crisis?

What skills are in demand?

• Practitioners need a combination of "hard" and "soft" skills to effectively manage in an unpredictable commercial environment. Supply chain analytical skills are necessary and important but no sufficient.
• Extreme uncertainty has become the norm in many markets requiring supply chain professionals to be adept at "managing ambiguity". Can "thrive in ambiguity"
• A crucial element of the broader skills base is the ability to communicate horizontally and vertically within the organization, and across communities of trading partners.
• The ability to manage teams that are located in multiple countries. In addition to the cultural and social differences involved, there is the issue of communicating across time zones.
• Companies "are more open to less depth for greater breadth".

How can companies develop and retain supply chain talent?

• Rotating supply chain professionals through different departments and functions enriches their skills and gives them a broader perspective of the business.
• Cross functional connection
• Providing opportunities for individuals to learn new skills and enhance their professional qualifications helps to keep them engaged and challenged
• Plot a career path.