How do you train and develop contract management skills and competencies in P2P teams?

Conduct a thorough assessment of your current contract management practices, including processes, tools, and team capabilities. Utilize a comprehensive checklist covering all aspects of contract lifecycle management, and gather feedback from key stakeholders for a holistic evaluation.

To develop contract management skills in P2P teams, consider these effective approaches: 1. Conduct training workshops: Cover topics such as contract drafting, negotiation, review, and compliance. 2. Offer online courses: Invest in online courses or e-learning platforms that provide comprehensive training on contract management. 3. Provide mentoring or coaching: Regular feedback sessions can help individuals identify areas for improvement and receive guidance on best practices. 4. Encourage cross-functional collaboration. 5. Offer real-life practice opportunities 6. Encourage continuous learning Remember that consistent practice and reinforcement are key to developing strong contract management skills in P2P teams.

In my experience, I've learned that the most crucial contract management ability is stakeholder management. The goal of contract management is to get people to accomplish what they promised and avoid future disagreements. Thus, we must develop the ability to foresee and manage potential risks (both positive and negative); grasp the relationship power structure and balance; and effectively communicate and influence stakeholders to achieve favorable contract relationship results. Thus, it is more of an in-house apprenticeship program to help our people develop these skills and confidence to be effective contract managers. Best!

Assessing the current state involves evaluating the existing processes, practices, and performance within the procurement-to-pay (P2P) workflow. This assessment includes analyzing key metrics such as cycle times, cost savings, supplier performance, and compliance levels. Additionally, it involves identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) to understand areas of improvement and potential risks. The assessment provides a baseline understanding of the current state of P2P operations, guiding strategic decision-making and improvement efforts.

Training and developing contract management skills and competencies in procure-to-pay (P2P) teams involves a strategic approach to enhance their understanding of contracts, supplier relationships, and overall procurement processes. Here's a structured plan to achieve this: 1.Identify current skill gaps and competency levels within the P2P teams related to contract management. 2. Develop tailored training programs covering contract law, negotiation skills, risk management, and contract administration, aligning with the specific needs of P2P team members. 3. Provide training on legal and compliance considerations within contracting, including regulatory requirements and contract governance.

O uso de melhoria continua, e constante reavaliação dos contratos ajuda no mapeio de oportunidades de atualização dos contratos, garantindo ações que os deixem sempre competitivos.

P2P teams can benefit from structured workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs that emphasize contract analysis, negotiating strategies, and compliance laws in order to enhance their contract management skills. Training sessions can be made more practical and skill-focused by incorporating simulations and real-world scenarios. Furthermore, giving team members access to resources like software tools and industry literature promotes ongoing learning and competency development.

Define clear and measurable outcomes for contract management training, aligning them with organizational goals and team needs. Communicate these objectives to stakeholders to ensure alignment and support throughout the training and development process.

Defining desired outcomes entails establishing specific goals and objectives that align with the organization's strategic priorities and procurement objectives. These outcomes may include optimizing procurement efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing supplier relationships, ensuring compliance, and improving overall process effectiveness. Additionally, desired outcomes should be measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), providing a clear roadmap for assessing progress and success in procurement-to-pay (P2P) operations.

Eu destacaria um pouco mais a a participação dos fornecedores nesse momento de fechamento de negociação. Não só participando ativamente da construção dos objetivos, como participando em iniciativas de redução de custos. Envolver o fornecedor é uma boa pedida quanto a motivação e chances de renovação de contrato.

Design a comprehensive learning program for contract management, tailored to the diverse skill sets and learning preferences of your P2P team. Incorporate a mix of online, classroom, and self-paced learning modules covering technical, analytical, and communication skills. Provide access to relevant resources and materials to support continuous learning and development.

Designing the learning program involves structuring a curriculum that addresses identified skill gaps and learning objectives related to contract management within the P2P team. It includes selecting appropriate training methods, resources, and delivery formats such as workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs. Additionally, the program should incorporate opportunities for hands-on practice, feedback, and continuous learning to ensure skill acquisition and competency development.

Cada vez as empresas tem modalidades de trabalho diversas (hibrido/remoto/presencial) e com isso o momento de treinamento e troca de conhecimentos deve ser pensado de uma forma que seja efetiva a todos independente da modalidade que operam. Se forem utilizadas sessões online, recomendam-se dinâmicas que prendam a atenção de todos os envolvidos, porem havendo a possibilidade de efetuar o processo de aprendizado de forma presencial, esse é o melhor caminho e opção.

Execute the planned learning activities according to the schedule, ensuring participation and engagement from all members of the P2P team. Assign trainers, facilitators, and mentors to support learners throughout the program. Provide regular feedback and encouragement to reinforce learning and motivation. Adjust the program as needed based on feedback and evolving needs.

Implementing the learning program entails executing the planned curriculum by scheduling training sessions, workshops, and other learning activities for P2P team members. This involves assigning responsibilities, coordinating logistics, and ensuring access to necessary resources and materials. Additionally, it requires monitoring progress, providing support, and addressing any challenges or barriers that may arise during the implementation phase. Regular communication and feedback mechanisms are essential to facilitate engagement and foster a conducive learning environment.

Encourage collaboration between P2P teams and procurement departments. This allows P2P teams to benefit from procurement expertise while keeping them informed of best practices.

As ações de implementação devem ser divididas entre os membros de S2P, desde ações até aplicação de treinamentos. Somente com a divisão de responsabilidades haverá o despertar do espirito de dono e engajamento do grupo como um todo, garantindo que a entrega da implementação ocorra da melhor maneira e com os melhores resultados.

Conduct comprehensive assessments of the learning program's effectiveness through surveys, interviews, and performance metrics. Analyse feedback and data to identify areas of success and areas for improvement. Consider factors such as knowledge retention, skill application, and overall satisfaction. Use insights gathered to refine the learning program, making adjustments to content, delivery methods, and support mechanisms as necessary.

Criar métricas e KPIs de acompanhamento é crucial para medir o sucesso da implementação, tanto em nível de produtividade como em nível de NPS e como os clientes/fornecedores avaliam a implementação e serviços prestados por P2P. As métricas definidas em nível gerencial devem, devem descer a operação de forma cascateada garantindo que todos possam contribuir proporcionalmente com suas responsabilidades ao alcance de metas do P2P como um todo.

Establish mechanisms for ongoing learning and skill reinforcement, such as periodic workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and access to relevant resources. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback, recognizing achievements, and promoting knowledge exchange within the team. Regularly review and update the learning program based on evolving needs, emerging trends, and feedback from participants, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness over time.

Avaliações pós treinamento e sessões de reciclagem fazem com o aprendizado absorvido seja testado, garantindo que todos estejam na mesma pagina, enquanto a capacitação continua garante que desvios sejam tratados antes que se tornem uma emergência o ou se enraízem na organização.

As with any change there are basically 2 approaches to compliance, carrot and stick. Thankfully the carrot doesn't have to be monetary, and I have seen some of the more effective compliance strategies being that of public accolades for adopters (or % of department adoption). I have tended to respond best to a clear and concise value proposition matched with a positive reinforcement for following thru. (Ex. this change will bring X value to your team/organization and we will be highlighting adoption at the quarterly town hall meeting). A more tongue in cheek way is to offer a "pineapple" award for the least compliant team in the given period.

O conteúdo infelizmente não aborda ferramentas de tecnologia e como sua exploração em ferramentas de gestão de contratos pode otimizar processos e garantir conformidade. Com uma boa implementação é possível reinvestir o tempo ganho em atividades mais analíticas e de contato com áreas relevantes na gestão de contratos, essas que podem inclusive alavancar o NPS.