Are You Ready to Navigate 2024?

Let’s put last year’s pain and friction points out of our minds and stage for growth this year. We asked our readers what skills we should tune up and emphasize to drive value and maximize growth in 2024.

Keep your cool. “Circumstances can turn on a dime and require not only quick, but also clear thinking when it feels like all options are lost. Those with composure—who can collect themselves, stay calm, and rely on the processes and tools they’ve put into place to handle the unexpected—will excel.” —Tony Harris, SAP  

Stay resilient and mentally tough. “Changes and setbacks are inevitable. It’s important to know how to anticipate, deal with, and recover from those challenges. Resilience requires the commitment to stay the course, keep a positive attitude, and forge a path even when the future is uncertain.” —Heidi Ratti, RXO

Have empathy. Seeing and listening through the eyes and ears of your supply chain partners speeds the pace of negotiations, trust building, and handling crises. —Dr. Darren Prokop, University of Alaska

Broaden your perspective to have empathy.“When I can shift my perspective to the point of view of my customers, stakeholders, or employees, that is how I can understand and meet their expectations. And that helps to build trusted, sustainable relationships that position you for success.” —Dave Anderson, TA Services 

Check and double check. “Checking to see what shutdowns are going on all over your destination cities and countries is the most underrated thing.” —Ronnie T. Evans, Oil States Industries 

Be curious. This involves channeling relentless curiosity into problems, having meaningful dialogues with users—warehouse managers, last-mile delivery folks, or suppliers across the globe—and implementing hardware and/or software solutions that solve those problems.” —Jason Hehman, TXI

Approach problems creatively. “Consider coloring outside the lines when problems happen. People think managing a supply chain is analytical and focused on managing the minutiae. And it is, at times. But when problems occur, the individual who can think outside the box and devise innovative solutions will be the unsung hero.” —Joe Adamski, ProcureAbility  

Avoid analysis paralysis. “Quickly analyze short- and long-term impacts. Over-analyzing wastes time and money. In operational excellence models, it’s called over-processing. To analyze quickly, use data and your inner experience circle. Ask for full opinions and full judgment, then go. Stop wasting time. —Ann Marie Jonkman, Blue Yonder 

Keeping these skills top of mind will help shake off the doldrums of late and stage for growth in the year ahead.