When was the last time you heard a phrase similar to this:

“This is always a problem, when is someone going to do something about it?”

“Is management ever going to fix this?”

Likely, it wasn’t very long ago. Many people go through their daily work routines fulfilling their work requirements as best as they can, dutifully maintaining the status quo until their boss let’s them know about the next project, improvement, or change (which they often will initially resist). For the ambitious supply chain professional, these are golden opportunities to set yourself apart as one of the top ways to advance through the supply chain organization is…

You may ask – how can I do my bosses job, when I don’t have the authority to do so? Allow me to explain.

Supply chain is a complex field with endless opportunities for improvement. Everyone – including “management” – is going through an endless process of digesting, prioritizing, and acting, with new potential opportunities appearing every day that are pushed through the same prioritization funnel. However, if you see key opportunities or challenges that will drive a significant impact to the business which are not being addressed, you cannot play the victim if you want to advance. You cannot treat barriers and gaps as fixed, even if they are driven by decisions and processes at levels above you in the organization.

I’ve had a moderately successful career in supply chain the past 10 years, starting as a plant sourcing & materials buyer, and getting promoted 4 levels since where I am now leading supply chain for a $1B business with 21 manufacturing facilities, and leading the plant supply chain teams and business logistics and sourcing team. I would attribute the #1 key attribute to my advancing so far as being that I never let my place in the organization stop me from attempting to drive positive change – even if it was driven by decisions above me. Not in a way to threaten my bosses role, and certainly not bundled with any criticism of existing leadership, but as a way to increase their bandwidth, vision, and success.

So how do you do your bosses job?

First, when you identify organizational or supply chain opportunities, do not perceive them as fixed barriers that you are powerless against. Consider what needs to change, why it needs to change, and what it would take to change it – even if it’s not something you own at your level. Then, in parallel with on-going campaigning to keep it front of mind, put together an initial proposal and project plan for how to address it. Get the ball rolling by taking the first step to design the path forward, which is often the most difficult part. Clearly articulate the current situation, the potential opportunity, and how you get from point A to point B.

After developing the initial proposal, review it with your boss and other business leaders – any chance you get. During your 1:1 meetings, during periodic supply chain or business reviews, and especially during situations when the issue is highly visible and has leadership engagement (strike while the iron is hot). Take any opportunity you can to share your thoughts on how to change the game in the future. Champion the change initiative yourself – even if it’s something that should be done at a level or two above your role.

Why should I do my bosses job?

There are several reasons this is a powerful way to improve the supply chain – but also get you promoted.

By exhibiting these behaviors, you are demonstrating you have the ability, vision, and runway to perform at the next level successfully By driving activities that are not typically expected or seen until the next level up, business and supply chain leaders see you in that role already – priming them to see you as someone capable at the next level You are contributing to the success of the supply chain above and beyond your peers by taking ownership, leadership, and initiative to solve on-going issues – not waiting for someone to do it for you – and blaming others for doing nothing when it’s not being addressed

But, do not take the credit when things go well!

This is an important underlying principle when acting at the next level, driving any change initiative, or being successful. When recognition comes your way – or ideally even before it has the opportunity to – praise your team, your boss, and everyone involved for their role in the success of the initiative. Don’t act as a sponge for praise – act as a rubber band. Always deflect the praise to someone else, highlighting their contributions and how key to success they are. Don’t worry – business and supply chain leaders will know your contribution and leadership, and you’ll only reinforce it with your humbleness by praising the team around you. Additionally, this will be a big motivational incentive for those you’ve been working with to continue to partner and support you in the future.

In summary, do your bosses job, operate at the next level up, but don’t take the credit when things go well for you as a result.