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May 27, 2025
Leadership in public procurement has always required more than just knowledge of the process. It demands judgment, adaptability, trust-building, and resilience. But today’s environment is stretching those expectations further than ever.
To better understand what leaders are experiencing right now, NIGP surveyed over 4,000 professionals and reviewed recent national data. The story is clear—and the pressure is real.
What the Data Tells Us
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Trust in managers has dropped to 29%
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71% of leaders report increased stress—with time scarcity now the top predictor of burnout
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Only 22% of organizations are actively investing in strategy, innovation, and talent development
(Source: Development Dimensions International, 2025)
These trends mirror what we’re hearing in conversations with mid and senior-level procurement leaders across North America. Many are being asked to make faster decisions with fewer resources, in environments that are more politically and operationally complex than ever before.
How NIGP Is Responding: Summit 2026 Impact Program
To support leaders navigating these challenges, NIGP’s Leadership Committee is currently developing this year’s Impact program, a core component of the 2026 NIGP Leadership Summit. This curriculum-in-progress is shaped by both hard data and firsthand insight from leaders in the field.
Here are the four topic areas under development:
1. Trust & Influence
What it addresses: Building credibility and navigating ethical leadership in politically complex environments.
Why it matters: With trust in leadership declining, leaders must know how to influence and lead effectively—even without formal authority.
2. Resilient Leadership
What it addresses: Managing stress, adapting to constant change, and maintaining focus under pressure.
Why it matters: Burnout is on the rise. Leaders need tools to stay grounded and think strategically in unpredictable settings.
3. People First
What it addresses: Coaching, feedback, team development, and inclusive leadership practices.
Why it matters: High-performing teams don’t build themselves—especially during transitions. They require care, clarity, and communication.
4. Innovation Lab
What it addresses: Creative thinking and structured tools for change within traditional systems.
Why it matters: Modern procurement leadership requires the courage to question norms—and the ability to lead innovation from within.
Also in Development: Targeted Micro Sessions
In addition to these core workshops, NIGP is exploring shorter, high-impact sessions that dig into specific leadership challenges.
Early ideas include:
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Leading Without the Title – How to influence decisions without formal authority
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Mentorship & Succession – Building pipelines and planning for retirements
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Small Agency Voices – Leading with limited resources and recognition
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Culture-Driven Leadership – Navigating bias, building belonging
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Policy Meets People – Hiring and retention when policy gets in the way
These sessions may be offered at the Summit or as virtual follow-ups—and we’re looking for your input to shape what’s most valuable.
What’s Missing? Your Feedback Matters.
This is not a finished product. It’s a direction—one shaped by real-world experience, and still in development.
Do these priorities reflect the challenges you’re facing right now? Is there a gap we haven’t addressed?
Your perspective will help us refine the Impact program so it meets the moment—and supports the leaders who are living it.
Share your insights.
Let us know what resonates—or what still needs attention—by sending me an email at TSlater@nigp.org. Your input strengthens the entire profession.
Together, we can design leadership development that’s timely, relevant, and built for where procurement is headed next.
To support leaders navigating these challenges, NIGP’s Leadership Committee is currently developing this year’s Impact program, a core component of the 2026 NIGP Leadership Summit.
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Todd Slater
