A lot of people working in the supply chain believe they have what it takes to lead. And truthfully, many of them can be developed into strong leaders. But I also believe it takes a special kind of person to thrive as a leader in this world. It’s not just about managing people, it’s about navigating pressure, solving problems on the fly, and setting the tone for the entire operation.
I remember being that associate on the dock, looking around and thinking, why not me? I had leadership experience even at a young age, and I knew I could make an impact. But nothing really prepared me for what I was stepping into.
My first leadership role was as a supervisor in a brand-new facility, one that hadn’t even opened yet. So, not only was I learning how to lead people, but I was also figuring out how to help stand up a building from the ground up. I spent months on the road working in already-operating facilities. That experience was eye-opening. I saw great leadership… and I saw poor leadership. And I took notes.
Some of my biggest takeaways?
- Listen to your team.
The most common complaint I heard in every building was simple: “My leader doesn’t listen.” I’d see supervisors walking the floor, talking with associates, but something was missing, they weren’t truly present. They were distracted, already thinking about the next fire they had to put out. Ironically, if they had actually listened to their team, they’d realize the associates were often pointing out the root causes of those very fires and how to prevent them. Some of the best solutions come from the people doing the work every day. - Set goals. Stay organized.
These go hand in hand. I noticed that some leaders always looked like they were putting out fires, running around in chaos. Others were calm, composed, and ahead of the game, even though they had the same 24 hours in the day. What made the difference? Preparation and structure. The most effective leaders I worked with always planned the day before, reviewing workload, checking meeting schedules, and setting achievable goals. Starting your day in reactive mode is a losing game. One unexpected issue, and you’re behind before you even begin.
Final Thoughts
Leadership in supply chain isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to listen, stay organized, and show up every day with purpose, it can be one of the most rewarding paths out there.
If you’re already in a leadership role, take a moment this week to really listen to your team. If you’re striving to lead, start by mastering the basics; be present, plan ahead, and never stop learning.
Let’s raise the bar for what leadership in supply chain should look like.
👉 What’s one leadership habit that’s made the biggest difference in your journey? Drop it in the comments or connect with me, I’d love to hear from you.