What are the most common vendor relations mistakes that cause missed deadlines?

1 Poor communication

One of the biggest reasons for missed deadlines is poor communication between you and your vendors. If you don't clearly define your expectations, scope, budget, timeline, and deliverables, you risk creating confusion, misunderstanding, and errors. You also need to communicate regularly, update your vendors on any changes, and provide feedback and guidance. Poor communication can lead to delays, rework, disputes, and dissatisfaction.

2 Unrealistic expectations

Another common mistake is setting unrealistic expectations for your vendors. If you expect them to deliver faster, cheaper, or better than they can, you're setting yourself up for disappointment and failure. You need to do your research, understand your vendors' capabilities and limitations, and negotiate fair and realistic terms. Unrealistic expectations can result in poor quality, scope creep, cost overruns, and broken trust.

3 Lack of alignment

A third mistake is lack of alignment between you and your vendors. If you don't share the same vision, goals, values, and standards, you're likely to encounter conflicts, disagreements, and misalignment. You need to ensure that your vendors understand your business needs, priorities, and preferences, and that you respect their expertise, experience, and feedback. Lack of alignment can cause inefficiency, inconsistency, and dissatisfaction.

4 Insufficient oversight

A fourth mistake is insufficient oversight of your vendors. If you don't monitor their progress, performance, and compliance, you're risking missing important issues, risks, and opportunities. You need to establish clear metrics, milestones, and reporting mechanisms, and hold your vendors accountable for their results. You also need to provide support, recognition, and incentives for your vendors to motivate them and foster a positive relationship. Insufficient oversight can lead to errors, deviations, and surprises.

5 Inadequate contingency

A fifth mistake is inadequate contingency planning for your vendors. If you don't anticipate and prepare for potential problems, changes, or emergencies, you're exposing yourself to unnecessary delays, costs, and stress. You need to identify and mitigate the risks that could affect your vendors' delivery, and have backup plans and alternatives in case something goes wrong. You also need to be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changing circumstances. Inadequate contingency can result in disruption, waste, and crisis.

6 Poor feedback

A sixth mistake is poor feedback to your vendors. If you don't give your vendors constructive, timely, and specific feedback, you're missing an opportunity to improve their performance, quality, and satisfaction. You need to communicate your expectations, appreciation, and concerns, and provide suggestions and recommendations for improvement. You also need to solicit feedback from your vendors, and listen to their opinions, ideas, and issues. Poor feedback can lead to stagnation, resentment, and turnover.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?