ANOTHER DUCKING DIGEST: August 7, 2023

Today, Sarah and Lindsay discuss career development in the small manufacturer supply chain (SC) field. Effective career development is vital for operational efficiency and business growth. Building a cohesive SC team enhances productivity, cost-efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Here are the ten SC career development best practices for small manufacturers:Roles and Skills: Key roles like Procurement, Inventory management, Logistics, and Demand planning can overlap. Define required skills for shared roles, including technical knowledge and soft skills.Growth Focus: Emphasize growth and cross-training over traditional promotions.Training: Offer regular training, replacing traditional workshops with weekly team discussions.Cross-Functional Exposure: Encourage experience across different SC areas for versatility.Mentoring: Pair experienced professionals with juniors for knowledge transfer and career guidance.Performance Management: Provide regular feedback and skill enhancement guidance.Continuous Improvement: Implement process improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and emerging technology.Recognition: Celebrate SC achievements, even with simple verbal praise.Work-Life Balance: Offer flexible arrangements and wellness programs for employee satisfaction.Engagement Monitoring: Assess employee satisfaction through surveys or discussions to enhance the work environment.Strengthening the SC team benefits both the organization and team members.