Confessions of an Overachiever…Strategies for Success

1. Confessions of an Overachiever…Strategies for Success Carrie Woodell, MPA, CFCM, CPPO, C.P.M., CPPB, FCPM

2. The Journey… • October 1999 Purchasing Specialist • October 2002 Promoted to Buyer • October 2004 Promoted to Purchasing Agent • March 2007 Promoted to Purchasing Manager • April 2013 Accepted position as Administrator of Orange County Procurement Division

3. The Journey…. • Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) 2002 • Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) 2004 • Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M) 2007 • Florida Certified Contract Negotiator (FCCN) 2007 • Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) 2008 • Florida Certified Purchasing Manager (FCPM) 2008 • Florida Certified Purchasing Agent (FCPA) 2008 • Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) 2008 • Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) 2009

4. The Journey.… • B.A. Degree in Public Administration from UCF, 2008 • Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management from UCF, 2010 • Master of Public Administration Degree from UCF, 2014

5. The Journey…. • Officer of Central Florida Chapter of NIGP: 2007 – 2011 • Officer of Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials: 2009 – 2015

6. How Do You Add Value? • To your department • To your agency • To the profession “You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour” – Jim Rohn

7. Internal Reflection • What are your aspirations? • Where do you want to go? • How do you want to grow? • What drives you? • What is stopping you?

8. Vision Statement • What is the most important thing you must do daily/weekly to say intellectually stimulated? • Who is challenging you to become the best you can be? • What three things must you do every single day to feel fulfilled in your work? • What are your five most important values? • What strengths have other people commented on about you and your accomplishments? • What strengths do you see in yourself?

9. Professional Vision Statement “To achieve self actualization as a procurement professional, mentor and inspire others to reach their potential”

10. Establish Goals • Personal or professional • Build a strength • Improve a weakness • Raise YOUR bar • Be prepared to make the personal investment • Write it down! “If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you expect to get there?” - Robert Rippey

11. 7 Keys for Setting Realistic Goals • Write down your goals • Set short term milestones • Be specific • Measure actions as well as progress • Start with just one goal • Schedule in time for your goals • Set goals you actually want to achieve • Be accountable…share your goals with someone “If you don’t have the time to write down your goals, where are you going to find the time to accomplish them?” Source: Sid Savara

12. Goal Tracking

13. Professional Certification • Understand the pre-requisites • UPPCC: (January 1, 2014) A formal educational degree from an accredited college or university is required; Accredited college/university level procurement coursework is required • Personal investment • Money • time • 6 months in advance

14. Formal Education • Avoid the “convenient excuse” • Explore the options • Online vs. on campus • Scholarships • Tuition reimbursement programs • Place of employment • Professional associations • Tap your resources • Start slow….but start

15. Must Have Skills

16. Skills • Time Management • Organization • Multi-Tasking • Critical Thinking • Communication • Verbal, written

17. 13 Lessons Learned

18. Lesson #1The Do’s…… • Pay attention to details • Follow up…be responsive! • Ask questions • Trust but verify • Grow a thick skin • Be present

19. …and the Do Not’s • Expect change to be accepted easily • Take things personally • Allow yourself to be intimidated • Enter “the drama zone” • Over commit yourself

20. Lesson #2The “Purchasing Roadblock” • Establish credibility • Be responsive • Face the music • Clear lines of communication • Give respect to earn respect

21. Lesson #3Get Comfortable Outside Your Comfort Zone! • Think outside your box • Embrace “other duties as assigned” • Be proactive “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try” – Seth Godin

22. Lesson #4Create Opportunities • Your position is not a limitation • Establish yourself as a willing participant • Remember…people are watching! • Adopt a “why not” mentality • Eventually opportunities will find you! “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door” – Milton Berle

23. Lesson #5Build Your Professional Network • Get a mentor • Get active in organizations • Local, state and national • Make connections

24. Lesson #6Protect Your Integrity • Your reputation depends on it! • Be prepared to tell your boss no “Integrity is the essence of everything successful” - Richard Buckminster Fuller

25. Lesson #7Learn to Think Strategically • Understand the politics • Learn your budget document • Read the agency strategic plan • Know the mission statement • Core values • Goals

27. Lesson #8The Interview Experience • Separate yourself from the rest • Be familiar with governing documents • Bring an updated resume • Be aware of your appearance • Mannerisms • Stand up to shake hands; • State your full name • Share your goals • Ask questions

28. Lesson #9Never Let Them See you Sweat • Be prepared/confident • Set the tone/expectations • Leave no “wiggle” room • Gain respect for your position • Your reputation will precede you “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” ― Norman Vincent Peale

29. Lesson #10Keep Your Skills Current…And Apply Them • Local meetings • Annual conferences • National forum • University offerings Knowledge unused is just potential

31. Lesson #11Take Measurements • How does your department measure up? • Policies (ethics, environmental) • Procedures (automated) • Internal service • External service • Learn from best practices • Strive to increase your measurements annually

32. Lesson #12Push Yourself • Local and National Awards • Essay Contests • Publish Articles • Utilize your resources Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try

33. Lesson #13Let Your Success Be Known! • Agency newsletter • Formal presentation to Council • Press Release

34. My Mantra….. “Never Let Good Enough Be Good Enough” - Bill Parcels