Peak Season

11/07/2024

Build Resilient Supply Chain Teams That Deliver Results

Discover how GEODIS builds high-performing teams that ensure supply chain success in challenging times. Learn our proven strategies for operational excellence.

Resilience allows teams to recover from setbacks, adjust to change, and maintain high performance—whatever the challenges. Resilient teams are built on many foundations, including efficiency, stability, and continuous growth. This is especially important in logistics and the supply chain. Clients rely on logistics providers to operate in challenging and unpredictable circumstances, so having a strong and agile team is critical.

Key takeaways

 

  • Resilient teams are built on strong leadership, clear communication, and a supportive culture that enables quick adaptation to change
  • Operational excellence is fundamental to creating stable, efficient supply chain processes that can withstand disruption
  • Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are essential elements of building sustainable supply chain resilience
  • Empowered teams with clear goals and proper training are better equipped to handle supply chain challenges and drive innovation

What is team resilience?

Team resilience is the collective ability of a group to adapt, overcome challenges, and grow stronger in the face of adversity. A resilient team works effectively under pressure, embraces change, and stays motivated during difficult times. Building such a team requires fostering a supportive culture, equipping members with the necessary skills, and encouraging open communication.

Warehouse and logistics workers using technology

Key elements of a resilient team

Five main elements make up a resilient team:

 

  1. Strong leadership: Leaders play a critical role in setting the tone for resilience. By building trust, providing clear direction, and offering support during challenging times, they guide the team through uncertainties and help them stay motivated.
     
  2. Clear purpose and goals: When teams understand their objectives and have well-defined goals, they stay focused and aligned. This shared vision keeps everyone moving in the same direction, even during tough times.
     
  3. Adaptability: A resilient team remains flexible and can adjust quickly to new situations, whether that involves shifting priorities, adopting new methods, or learning new skills.
     
  4. Effective communication: Transparent communication keeps teams connected and informed, especially during periods of change or pressure. Open dialogue also allows team members to share concerns and work together to find solutions.
     
  5. Supportive culture: A culture that promotes psychological safety, collaboration, and mutual respect enables individuals to take risks, share ideas, and recover from mistakes without fear of judgment.

Ready to strengthen your supply chain? Contact GEODIS today to discover our proven approach to building resilient logistics operations.

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The role of operational excellence in building supply chain resilience

Operational excellence helps us achieve and sustain optimal performance in all aspects of a business. We create efficient processes and drive a "continuous improvement" approach to optimize our operations. We're all working towards common goals:

 

  • Building stronger and more resilient supply chains
  • Helping our clients to serve their customers
  • Meeting our business aims

 

We do this in several ways. 

Geodis supervisor briefing a team of drivers

Building stable and efficient supply chain processes

Operational excellence helps optimize workflows, leading to greater stability and predictability in daily operations. Teams can work more confidently when processes are clear and efficient, allowing them to focus on solving problems and driving innovation rather than dealing with disorder or uncertainty.

 

Continuously improving supply chain operations and flexibility

Operational excellence means we commit to improvement. Teams that review and refine their processes are prepared to handle unexpected challenges. This proactive mindset allows them to adapt to changes and identify solutions quickly.

 

Making data-driven decisions

Operational excellence uses data to guide decisions. This analytical approach keeps our teams informed and helps them make better choices, even in uncertain situations. Real-time insights allows our teams to change course quickly, so they can deliver for our clients.

 

Empowering teams so they can take action

Our team members take ownership of their roles. This increases engagement and motivation, as individuals feel trusted and valued. Empowered employees are more likely to take initiative and support their teammates when facing challenges.

 

Preparing our teams for supply chain risk management

Operational excellence helps us identify and mitigate risks early. Teams that are prepared for potential issues can manage crises more effectively, ensuring smoother operations and quicker recovery.

 

Driving collaboration and knowledge sharing

We encourage collaboration across departments. Teams that work together share knowledge, appreciate different perspectives, and develop creative solutions to problems. This helps us build a resilient team, which builds a resilient supply chain. 

Need help building a more resilient supply chain? Let GEODIS show you how - reach out now.

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Leading a resilient team through operational excellence

Leaders must incorporate operational excellence principles into their leadership style. Here's how:

 

  • Set clear expectations: Leaders should communicate the team’s goals and emphasize the role of operational excellence in achieving them. This creates focus and stability.
  • Encourage ongoing improvement: Foster a mindset of regular process evaluation and improvement. Celebrate achievements and involve team members in decision-making to enhance their sense of ownership.
  • Provide training and resources: Ensure that team members have the skills and tools they need to succeed. Offer training in process management and problem-solving to enhance their ability to contribute.
  • Promote collaboration: Create opportunities for team members to collaborate and share best practices. Cross-functional collaboration leads to innovative solutions and improves overall team resilience.
  • Lead by example: Leaders should model the behaviors they expect from their team. Committing to continuous improvement and thoughtful decision-making sets the tone for the team’s approach to challenges.

 

Operational excellence is central to building resilient teams and supply chains. Promoting a culture of efficiency, structure, and adaptability helps develop teams that weather challenges and achieve long-term success. When organizations prioritize operational excellence, they support resilience, engagement, and the ability to navigate unpredictable business environments.

FAQs about supply chain team resilience

A resilient supply chain team combines strong leadership, clear goals, adaptability, effective communication, and a supportive culture that enables quick response to challenges.

Operational excellence creates efficient processes, promotes continuous improvement, enables data-driven decisions, and empowers teams to take decisive action.

Leaders set the tone for resilience by building trust, providing clear direction, offering support during challenges, and modeling the behaviors they expect from their team.

How GEODIS can help

GEODIS manages over 50 million shipments annually through our network of 230+ strategic locations and 19,000+ logistics professionals. Contact us to learn how our operational excellence and global capabilities can transform your supply chain performance.

 

Get in touch with GEODIS. 

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Paul Ware

Paul Ware

Director of Operational Excellence for Packaging and Customization Services

Paul joined GEODIS in 2022 and is responsible for ensuring excellence and best practices across our packaging and customization services. His areas of expertise include setting the strategy and initiative of business processes, digital technology (IOT and data analytics), and organizational transformation.
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