RPOlosophy

One of the most popular ‘rules’ in photography is the “Rule of Thirds.” It works like this: Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. You place important elements of your composition where these lines intersect.

As a former photography major (for 1 semester), Read the rest of this entry »

As a departure from my normal RPO blog content, I’d like to share some research that I received from Vales Consulting. .

Also, Vales Consulting helps BPO, ITO, HRO, and RPO organizations strategically respond to RFPs. Joe Vales is living legend in the area of crafting messages.

About a month ago, Joe and his team published this Research Summary regarding RFPs specific to the outsourcing industry. Since RFPs are one of my favorite topics, I highly endorse reading this paper. And for those of you who believe, as I do, that developing “top notch” RFP responses is critical to securing new business, this research contains tremendously valuable information.

I look forward to your comments and discussion.

In the 1400’s a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence, we have the “The Rule of Thumb”.

Unfortunately, I have noticed a recent trend in RPO where the “The Rule of Thumb” is becoming more like “The Rule of Thigh” as it relates to Service Level Agreements (SLAs). I have even experienced a situation where it was admitted that proposed SLAs were unattainable and were simply a method of extracting an additional discount.

Clearly, SLAs play an important role in the relationship between customer and supplier. SLAs are a means to deliver performance measurements. It is also a method to inspire some suppliers to stay on track. This is why I believe a supplier should put a meaningful number at risk. However, the “at risk” amount should be reasonable and, especially if the intent of the RPO program is to build a long-term, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnership. There are other and better means to deal with serious issues and misconduct, such as termination, liability, and insurance.  Also, perhaps the guidance of a Sourcing Advisor firm can help keep things in perspective and on track (see my previous blog on the Benefits of Sourcing Advisors).

Can beating up your supplier and making them bleed, help achieve program success? My answer is an emphatic NO. The only results from being excruciating punitive will be to irreparably damage the customer supplier relationship and impact the account resources and success.

So here are my SLA wish list guidelines (following these will help preserve real SLA intent and enhance RPO program performance): Read the rest of this entry »

I recently received some feedback (criticism) that my blogs are too US focused and that I have ignored RPO in Europe. Also, at NY HR Week, I had the opportunity to meet with Ochre House, a marvelous UK headquartered RPO firm.

So in the spirit of global inclusion and to my new friends at Ochre House, I like to grasp the nettle and try not to be bent as a nine bob note as I share my top 3 reasons why I admire RPO firms from across the pond. Read the rest of this entry »

His observation rings true: Urban legends, conspiracy theories, and bogus public-health scares circulate effortlessly. Meanwhile, people with important ideas—businessmen, educators, politicians, journalists, and especially RPO salespeople—struggle to make their ideas, like the Kentucky Fried Rat or the Kidney Heist, “stick”. Read the rest of this entry »