Supplier Relationship Management - The Three Steps to Setting Audacious Supplier Goals

There are some wonderful acronyms applied to goalFor example -o Reduce the purchase priceo Eliminate
setting. Here is one. It's the BHAG - the Big Hairyall sources of waste in the supply chaino Re-design
Audacious Goal! A BHAG is one that really stretchesthe product or serviceo Innovate a new way to
you to think differently about your value chains. It'sdeliver the service and sell this to other organisations
the goal that's going to help you transform the way(in other words, change a cost into a revenue
you work with suppliers, rather than being satisfiedgenerator)o Find a way of leasing the product or
with incremental change.service rather than buy it.
So, the question is how to set SRM goals that fit intoStep 2: Make a list of obstacles and ways of getting
the BHAG category? This article shows you how.around them.o Don't have any ideas for re-designing
The first step is to shake off any beliefs about whatthe service? Get some users together and have a
is possible in your value chains. If you already have abrainstorming session.o Don't know how to innovate?
mindset that limits your achievements you'll never getIdentify people who have this reputation and hire
serious about a BHAG.them in as a freelance.o Suppliers won't lease the
Next, pose some Very Hairy Challenges - like these:-oproduct? Take the idea to a leasing company and
I want to halve my costs in the next 12 monthso Isee if they will do a deal.o There's nothing that can't
want my supply chain to deliver the highest qualitybe overcome if you are really committed.
product or service in the UKo I want to reduce theStep 3: Identify what needs to happen for you to be
delivery time for my purchased products from 2successful.
weeks to one day.For example:-o Surround yourself with creative
Now you have to work backwards from this endpeopleo Build your knowledge in certain areaso Set
point in 3 steps. Let's take the "halve your costs"monthly Little Hairy Audacious Goals that progress
example.you towards your milestoneso Get the support you
Step 1: Brainstorm ideas (or use the techniquesneed.
explained in the next module) for reducing costs. NoImagine how your CEO would react if you get so
limits remember - everything is possible.much as half way to your BHAG!