Ever notice how procurement professionals tend to talk mostly to other procurement professionals? We attend the same conferences, follow the same influencers, and share the same content. While there’s value in our professional community, we might be limiting our impact by staying in our comfort zone.
The Echo Chamber Effect
When we only talk to people who think like us, we start believing everyone understands our value proposition. But here’s the reality: operations managers, finance leaders, and technical experts often see procurement very differently than we see ourselves. Many still view us as the “purchasing department” – or worse – rather than strategic partners.
Why Breaking Out Matters
The most successful procurement professionals I’ve met don’t just excel at procurement – they understand operations, finance, technology, and business strategy. They build networks across disciplines and learn to speak multiple “business languages.”
Think about it: How can we be true business partners if we don’t understand the broader business context our stakeholders operate in?
Starting the Cross-Pollination
Here’s what engaging beyond procurement can look like:
- Follow thought leaders from other disciplines – operations, finance, technology, sustainability
- Attend non-procurement conferences and workshops
- Join cross-functional project teams, even when procurement isn’t the focus
- Share insights about how procurement connects to broader business trends
- Engage with content from other departments and industries
The Real Benefits
When we expand our networks beyond procurement:
- We learn how other functions measure success
- We spot opportunities others might miss
- We build credibility as business leaders, not just procurement experts
- We bring fresh perspectives back to our procurement work
- We become better at articulating procurement’s value in terms others understand
Making It Happen
Start small:
- Pick one non-procurement event to attend this quarter
- Follow five thought leaders from other disciplines
- Join a discussion group focused on general business strategy
- Share content that connects procurement to broader business objectives
- Ask questions and learn from experts in other fields
The Future of Procurement
To elevate procurement’s role, we need to be part of broader business conversations. We need to understand the challenges and opportunities our organizations face from multiple angles. Only then can we truly deliver on our promise of being strategic business partners.
Let’s break out of our echo chamber. What other business disciplines do you think procurement professionals should engage with more? Share your thoughts below.