Page 33 - The Edge - Spring 2018

BY GARY BARKMAN, CPPB AND BOBBY WILLIAMS II

Professionalism in the Workplace

Bobby Williams II Gary Barkman
(Gary Barkman and Bobby Williams II took time to compare and “Back in the day, as a new person to
discuss professional relations since their start in public procurement, procurement, I can certainly remember the
approximately ten years apart). self-in icted stress factor that could build

“Since my rst day of membership with AASBO, I can’t remember when not knowing how to approach unfamiliar
a time that another veteran procurement person wasn’t willing to issues, yet the camaraderie offered me, by
lend their assistance with regards to explaining, mentoring or simply someone more seasoned was not only a
o ering best practice advice, when needed, because people were blessing, it was greatly appreciated.”
most eager to help the new guy on the block,” says Barkman. — Gary Barkman, Procurement Specialist Supervisor, Purchasing/
“Back in the day, as a new person to procurement, I can certainly Operations, Mesa Uni ed School District #4
remember the self-in icted stress factor that could build when not
knowing how to approach unfamiliar issues, yet the camaraderie We learn by correcting our mistakes and those corrections that
o ered me, by someone more seasoned was not only a blessing, it was endure, generally become the accepted “best practice” method or
greatly appreciated”, recalls Barkman. “It made the workload much methods. Most importantly, both Barkman and Williams agree that
more bearable and that was how I learned the meaning of networking we should make note of our own humble beginnings. “I’ve yet to
with professionals in the workplace.” witness expertise from anyone working the public sector, within the
It would help to lay the foundation from which all other “best rst two years of start-up,” says Barkman.
practice” methods would be created. Fast forward approximately Granted, some do learn quicker than others, but there’s always
eight years to current day events. ere’s an unfamiliar audience a moderate-to-long learning curve for most, according to Barkman
with several new players in the public procurement domain. More and Williams. More accurately, we need to help educate our
than likely, they harbor similar feelings of stress and doubt when colleagues and co-workers without o ending them. Mentoring our
unfamiliar circumstances come into play. fellow workers would be a great way of doing this.
is time however, the supporting cast is somewhat mixed, with Our AASBO organization is starting to look more closely at
people still willing to help, yet others that seemingly make light of the developing a mentoring program for the respective department
fact that many of our newcomers lack a more basic “best practice” tracks typically found at our individual conferences, and we hope to
knowledge, already instilled in our veteran personnel. “Rather than be part of the TEAM developing this program. Regardless, both agree
lend a hand, they reach to pre-determined conclusions against those that AASBO has helped them to develop great working relationships
they refer to as “novice” or “faint of heart,” says Williams. over the years, due mostly to meeting in uential colleagues who
Let us start by explaining that “best practice” methods are not go out of their way in assisting those less experienced, in an e ort
generally something that new people would have a grasp of, if they’re to help elevate the con dence needed to conquer unfamiliar issues
just starting out. us, the term “best practices,” which can more when they appear.
accurately be de ned by one dictionary found online as; “Commercial So, it shouldn’t be hard to imagine, why we feel compelled to
or professional procedures that are accepted or prescribed as give back that same assistance when someone new rolls into the
being correct or most e ective.” Another de nition, according to procurement eld, whether it’s noticing someone having a bad day
“Wikipedia “online: “A best practice is a method or technique that or simply because an individual took the initiative to reach out for
has been generally accepted as superior to any alternatives because it help. It’s what makes our positions most rewarding and humbling
produces results that are superior to those achieved by other means and we’re honored to lend a hand when needed.
or because it has become a standard way of doing things.”
Previous trainings and networking have taught us that within Gary Barkman, Procurement Specialist Supervisor, Purchasing/
school business, best practice methods are generally created with Operations, Mesa Uni ed School District #4, can be reached at
a collaborative e ort by several seasoned individuals, (having (480) 472-6116 or gabarkman@mpsaz.org.
practitioner’s knowledge) on how to perform a basic task within their
respective eld or department. ese best practice methods don’t just Bobby Williams II, Procurement Coordinator, Buckeye Elementary
appear without having some other comparable method or methods School District #33, can be reached at: Bwilliams2@besd33.org
that have fallen inferior to that of the best practice. or (623) 925-3413.

33