How do you communicate and align your expectations and goals with your suppliers?

1 Define your objectives

Before you start any collaboration with your suppliers, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. What are your strategic priorities, your performance indicators, and your desired outcomes? How do they align with your supplier's capabilities, values, and vision? You need to communicate your objectives clearly and consistently to your suppliers, and make sure they understand them and agree with them. You can use tools such as SMART goals, OKRs, or scorecards to help you define and measure your objectives.

2 Establish regular communication

Communication is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. You need to establish regular communication channels and mechanisms with your suppliers, and use them effectively. You can use different methods, such as emails, phone calls, meetings, reports, or surveys, depending on the purpose, frequency, and level of detail of the communication. You should also define the roles and responsibilities of each party, the escalation procedures, and the feedback mechanisms. The aim is to keep everyone informed, engaged, and accountable, and to avoid misunderstandings, delays, or conflicts.

3 Collaborate on solutions

Communication is not only about sharing information, but also about solving problems and creating value. You should treat your suppliers as partners, not adversaries, and involve them in the decision-making and innovation processes. You should seek their input, ideas, and suggestions, and listen to their feedback and concerns. You should also share your challenges, risks, and opportunities, and work together to find solutions and improvements. You should leverage your supplier's expertise, experience, and network, and support their development and growth.

4 Recognize and reward performance

Communication is also about acknowledging and appreciating the contributions and achievements of your suppliers. You should monitor and evaluate your supplier's performance regularly, and provide constructive and timely feedback. You should also recognize and reward your supplier's performance, based on the agreed criteria and incentives. You can use different forms of recognition and reward, such as recognition letters, certificates, awards, bonuses, or referrals. The goal is to motivate and inspire your supplier's to continue delivering high-quality results and exceeding your expectations.

5 Adapt to changes

Communication and alignment are not static, but dynamic. You need to be flexible and responsive to the changes that may occur in your business environment, your customer needs, or your supplier's situation. You need to communicate and align your expectations and goals with your suppliers frequently, and adjust them accordingly. You need to anticipate and manage the potential impacts of the changes, and identify the new opportunities and challenges. You need to embrace change as an opportunity to learn, grow, and innovate with your suppliers.