Engaging Your Team: A Leadership Imperative for Public Procurement Professionals

Engaging your team is not just a leadership responsibility; it’s a necessity for creating a high-performing, cohesive unit capable of driving results. In public procurement, where the stakes are high and the demands are constantly evolving, leaders must foster environments where teams feel valued, motivated, and connected to the larger mission. Without this engagement, even the most skilled professionals can become disconnected, resulting in decreased performance and lower morale.

As procurement professionals, we are often focused on managing contracts, ensuring compliance, and navigating the complexities of public policy. But amid these critical tasks, we must also remember the importance of the people we lead. Engaged and connected teams are better equipped to handle the challenges and pressures of procurement. So, how do we build this engagement?

1. Open Communication and Transparency

One of the most important aspects of engaging your team is fostering open communication. Transparency is key to building trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful team. Leaders who are willing to share information, discuss challenges, and listen to their teams create an environment of mutual respect.

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”

~ Dwight D. Eisenhower, former U. S. President

By ensuring that your team understands not only what needs to be done but why it matters, you allow them to connect their individual roles to the broader mission of the organization. This clarity in purpose helps to create a sense of ownership, which is essential for engagement.

2. Empowering Through Responsibility

Empowerment is another key element of team engagement. When leaders delegate responsibility and give their teams the autonomy to make decisions, they demonstrate trust in their team’s abilities. This not only boosts confidence but also encourages innovation and problem-solving.

 “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”

~ Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher

Giving your team the space to grow and succeed independently fosters a culture of accountability and pride in their work.

3. Recognition and Feedback

Recognition plays a vital role in maintaining team engagement. People need to feel that their contributions are noticed and appreciated. Acknowledging successes—both big and small—goes a long way in building morale. Offering constructive feedback also shows your commitment to their development, which can inspire continued growth and improvement.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

~ John Quincy Adams

Engaged teams are those who feel inspired by their leaders’ actions and motivated to exceed expectations.

4. Fostering Collaboration

Lastly, promoting collaboration within your team is essential for engagement. When individuals feel they are part of something larger and can rely on the strengths of their colleagues, it creates a dynamic where everyone is working toward a shared goal. Collaborative teams often find innovative solutions that would not be possible without collective effort.

 “The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.”

~ John Wooden, the late basketball coach

Collaboration can make the difference between success and failure in procurement, where the complexity of contracts, negotiations, and supplier relationships often requires multiple perspectives.

Conclusion

Engaging your team is an ongoing process that requires intentionality, communication, and a genuine commitment to their success. As public procurement leaders, we must recognize that the success of our teams reflects directly on our leadership. By fostering trust, empowerment, recognition, and collaboration, we can build teams that meet their objectives and thrive in the face of challenges.

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Leading with this mindset will help us build stronger, more engaged teams capable of achieving great things together.Title