In an industry that thrives on delivering results and driving positive change, these traits are not just desirable—they are essential.

The Pitfalls of Being a People Pleaser

There’s no room in the procurement interim industry for people pleasers or those who simply talk a good game. Unfortunately, many professionals fall into the trap of trying to appease everyone, often at the expense of their own values and the success of their projects. I know this all too well because I was once a people pleaser myself. And let me tell you, it got me nowhere.

When I was focused on pleasing others, I wasn’t standing for anything meaningful. I was more concerned with being liked and avoiding conflict than with driving the strategies and objectives that I knew were right for the business and society. Or at the most reaching a compromise. This approach led to missed opportunities, lackluster results, and ultimately, a hard lesson learned. Being a people pleaser might keep things smooth on the surface, but it doesn’t lead to long-term success or fulfillment.

Standing for What’s Right

So, what should you stand for as a procurement interim? The answer is simple: stand for what is right for the business, society, and your professional integrity. If you’ve developed a procurement strategy or identified an objective that will truly benefit the organization and have a positive societal impact, it’s your responsibility to drive it forward with conviction.

As a procurement interim, you are often brought in to provide expertise, offer a fresh perspective, and implement strategies that others might be hesitant to pursue. This role requires more than just technical knowledge; it requires the courage to stand firm in your convictions, even when it’s challenging. The most successful procurement interims are those who can take a stand and bring others along on the journey. They are the ones who can inspire confidence in their decisions because they are grounded in strong core values.

The Power of Integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone of any successful procurement interim professional. It’s what sets apart those who truly make a difference from those who merely go through the motions. When you operate with integrity, you build trust with your clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. People are more likely to follow your lead when they know that your actions are guided by honesty, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the greater good.

In my experience, the procurement interims who embody integrity and stand by their convictions are the ones we love working with the most. These individuals are not afraid to make tough decisions or take a stand for what they believe in, even when it’s not the most popular choice. They understand that true leadership is not about being liked by everyone, but about doing what is right and leading others with purpose.

Driving Success with Conviction

As a procurement interim, your ability to drive success hinges on your willingness to stand by your values and lead with conviction. When you embrace this mindset, you not only achieve better results, but you also gain the respect and trust of those around you. More people will follow you when they see that you are committed to doing the right thing, not just for the business but for society as a whole.

In conclusion, the procurement interim professionals who truly excel are those who bring their core values, integrity, and convictions to the forefront of their work. They are the ones who make a lasting impact and create meaningful change.  So, if you’re considering a career in this field or looking to elevate your current role, remember to stand for what’s right. It’s the key to not just surviving, but thriving in the procurement interim industry.