In supply chain headlines
- B2B firms averaging £66,000 in missed sales per year. The value, highlighted in Prospect's latest report 'Sales Growth Strategies in the B2B Sector', represents the cost of losing repeat customers.
- Black Friday shipping costs set to impact supplier profit margins. New figures revealing that 32% of businesses in the supply chain sector saw an increase in carrier costs last November could be bad news for profits this peak season, reports MHW Magazine.
- US retail inventories in good shape ahead of holiday season. Matthew Shay, President & CEO of National Retail Federation, recently announced retailers are expected to have needed inventory levels ahead of the shopping season.
5 toxic employer traits to watch out for
Whether you're a CEO trying to reduce employee churn or a job-seeker looking for a job you won't later come to resent, being aware of employer red flags is essential for building a successful career.
Here are 5 toxic traits to look out for, plus the questions you should ask in a job interview to spot red flags early on:
1. Micromanagement. A lack of autonomy and trust leads to pessimism when approaching work responsibilities. While guidance and training are essential, too much hands-on interference from managers can demotivate staff and result in poor performance.
Questions to ask: How would you describe your management style? How much autonomy comes with this role?
2. Opacity. In other words, a lack of transparency around key business decisions and policies. This can create distrust and confusion among staff, and reduce the feeling of job security.
Questions to ask: How are important company decisions or changes communicated to the team? Can you give a recent example?
3. Disregard for work-life balance. Employees aren't just employees; they're real humans with lives that exist outside the workplace. Expecting staff to work outside of normal hours can lead to burnout and resentment.
Questions to ask: How do you support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance? What is your policy on after-hours communication?
4. Blame culture. A company that focuses on punishing mistakes or a has a lack of accountability at the leadership level can cause employees to feel afraid of doing wrong – which, ironically, often results in more mistakes being made.
Questions to ask: How do you address mistakes? Can you give an example of how a recent failure was addressed constructively?
5. Limited development opportunities. A lack of growth opportunities contributes to a high turnover of staff. If employees feel 'stuck in their role' and can't see any career development signals, that feeling of instability increases the risk they'll start looking elsewhere for opportunities.
Questions to ask: How does the company invest in employee development and growth? What is the average tenure of employees here?
From supply chain woes to building a strong team – meet Daniel Vasilevski
This week we sat down with Daniel Vasilevski, Director & Owner of Bright Force Electrical, a Sydney-based service provider. Bright Force offers 24/7 electrical services for residential and commercial projects, covering everything from emergency repairs to complex installations. We asked him about growth and managing a supply chain as a new business.
What have been your biggest challenge in navigating supply chain management and operations?
"Managing fluctuating material costs has been a challenge for us. Electrical supplies can see sudden price hikes, and it affects everything from basic wiring to specialised components. It’s been a constant balancing act trying to keep prices reasonable for our customers while dealing with these cost swings."
How did you solve this problem?
"We’ve managed fluctuating material costs by building solid relationships with multiple suppliers instead of relying on just one. Having a few reliable contacts gives us the flexibility to compare prices and availability, and it enables us to get materials quicker during shortages."
Have you deployed any unique tactics for outperforming your competitors?
"We used to work like many other companies, where customers would only get a rough estimate, and final costs could change based on what we found during the job. It resulted in awkward conversations and unexpected expenses for clients. Now, we provide a clear, fixed price before we even start work, regardless of any complications that come up. This has built a lot of trust with our clients because they know what to expect, and it takes the guesswork out of the process."
What are three pieces of advice you'd share with your younger self to help them along their career?
"Don’t be afraid to walk away from bad deals, no matter how tempting the upfront money looks. Invest in your team because good staff can make or break your business. Take time to learn basic financial management early on – understanding cash flow and budgeting isn’t just for accountants; it’s important for every business owner."
Is there a particular book you've read that's helped you in your career?
"I’d recommend The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. It shifts your perspective on running a small business, from being just a hands-on technician to thinking like a true entrepreneur."
On the lighter side
Subscribe to The Backorder today
Start receiving practical tips and supply chain insights in your inbox every week, free. Unsubscribe at any time.
