Leading with Empathy and Friendship in Public Procurement

It’s hard to believe, but this year marks my 20th year in public procurement. It's been a journey filled with growth, challenges, and a deep passion for what I do.

At the heart of my experience has been a focus on leadership development. Much of my leadership growth is thanks to my involvement with NIGP and the great people I have met along the way.

My Experiences with NIGP

When I first started as a buyer at the City of Springfield, I was fortunate to have a mentor who encouraged me to get involved with NIGP. He saw my potential and pushed me to apply for scholarships, take courses, and get certified. That initial involvement helped me discover a love for procurement and the welcoming community of NIGP.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to serve in various leadership roles within NIGP, from being the president of my local chapter to serving as a chapter ambassador to my current role on the NIGP Member Council. I also participated in the Leader’s Edge program in 2020. Each of these experiences has profoundly shaped my approach to leadership.

A significant lesson I've learned is the importance of leading with empathy. I’m an introvert by nature, so sometimes I push myself to step out of my comfort zone and really connect with the people around me. But that has helped me become a more empathetic leader. Taking the time to genuinely listen to my team, colleagues, and suppliers helps me build stronger relationships and navigate challenging situations.

Building Strong Supplier Relationships

A great example of this is the way I've approached supplier interactions. In the past, I'll admit that I would sometimes go into confrontations with my guard up, ready to defend my position–I suspect that’s a feeling a lot of procurement professionals can relate to. But the leadership training I've done through NIGP has helped me learn how to slow down, take notes, and really listen to what the other person is saying instead of just reacting. Honing this approach has empowered me to respond with compassion and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

This empathetic approach has also shaped the strategies I use to support my team. As the Purchasing Manager for Springfield Public Schools, I have the privilege of leading a talented group of procurement professionals. One of my top priorities is to ensure they feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow in their careers. I celebrate team and individual successes, whether it's through personal notes, small gifts, or simply acknowledging their hard work.

Another way I've worked to foster that sense of community is by creating unique opportunities for connection at NIGP events. For example, at the last NIGP Forum, I set up a station where attendees could make friendship bracelets together. It was a simple gesture, but I think it helped to break down barriers and engage more freely with one another. Plus, it was fun!

Advice for Up-and-Coming Leaders

NIGP welcomes leaders at all levels, whether you are brand new to public procurement or a seasoned veteran. Here’s my advice for anyone looking to continue growing as a procurement leader.

Get involved

There are tons of opportunities for people who want to build their leadership muscles through NIGP. Whether it’s joining a committee on your local chapter, taking a leadership board position, or volunteering at the national level, this is a great way to meet other procurement professionals and develop skills you might not have a chance to work on at your job.

Focus on relationships

Being a procurement leader is about more than just managing processes and overseeing budgets (although that of course is part of the deal). But really, successful leadership is about building relationships, fostering a sense of community, and empowering those around you to reach their full potential. So, take the time to get to know the people in your organization, your chapter, and through other NIGP events. Stay in touch with them and offer support when you can.

Ask questions and use your resources

Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it! NIGP has some great resources, like Nsite, which gives you direct access to hundreds of procurement professionals who can help with whatever challenge you’re facing. A lot of local chapters also have listservs that serve a similar purpose. And don’t sleep on the NIGP Dictionary! There is a lot of helpful information there.

I'm excited to continue my leadership journey within my organization and NIGP. I know there is still so much to learn. I'm grateful to have the support of a network of incredible procurement professionals who are just as passionate about this field as I am, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.