For Those With the Commercial Edge and the Ego to Accompany!

I see it often. People who for whatever their reason are doing a commercial role. There's the ones who love the cut and thrust, dealing with customers snd suppliers in negotiations,  contracts and big deal making.

Then there's the ones who are more focused on the details. The document production,  assurance and process.

Then the last category who are there, do what they need to and that's it! Shying from negotiations and difficult discussions,  deferring and escalating to avoid decision making.

If you want to build a sound commercial function, you go for the first two. A good balance of dynamic go-getter types running in parallel with the more considered. A really good pairing off which provides an assured momentum for the business.

And given the pressure on business to get back to where it needs to, that blend of resources is key. A concerted effort to build future forward strategies but more importantly execute against them.

It also calls for the right environment. One which empowers, challenges and innovates. Allowing peers to debate across and upwards,  with leaders who encourage and listen.

It is no place for ego without ideas but is if they haveva sharp commercial mindset.