Jeenu Mathew, Procurement Manager at Safari Hypermarket, recently shared a powerful message on LinkedIn that resonates far beyond the realm of purchasing goods and services. His reflections titled “The Human Side of Procurement Lessons from Mistakes That Spoiled the Party” offer a grounded, experience-based perspective on how real growth in procurement comes not from perfection, but from persistence, reflection, and adaptability. Without pretense or sugar-coating, Jeenu Mathew opens up about the errors that shaped his career and the insights he gained along the way.
Jeenu Mathew begins by acknowledging a universal truth mistakes happen. In procurement, a field that balances numbers, relationships, and strategy, errors can be costly. But more importantly, they can also be instructive. His candid confession about both personal missteps and those he observed in others sets the stage for a discussion rooted not in theory but in practice.
Among the most telling experiences Jeenu Mathew recounts is the all-too-common mistake of “falling for the picture, not the product.” It’s a reminder that glossy brochures and flashy presentations are no substitute for hands-on inspection. In his own words, Jeenu Mathew recalls placing an order based solely on visuals, only to be disappointed by the actual product. It’s a simple but critical lesson one that underscores the importance of due diligence and physical verification.
Another key learning Jeenu Mathew shares is the chaos that ensues from vague terms. He speaks from personal experience about the confusion that arises mid-project when details aren’t clearly defined. For procurement professionals, clarity isn’t just a best practice it’s a safeguard. Jeenu Mathew emphasizes the need to document every agreement and eliminate assumptions from the outset.
Forecasting also features prominently in his reflection. As Jeenu Mathew points out, procurement is not just about fulfilling today’s needs but anticipating tomorrow’s demands. He admits that ignoring forecasting can lead to either shortages or costly surpluses. His advice is rooted in strategic foresight use data, analyze trends, and always plan with the future in mind.
A significant turning point Jeenu Mathew highlights is the risk of over-reliance on a single region for sourcing. He candidly shares how a regional lockdown crippled supply chains due to a lack of diversification. It’s a reminder that resilience in procurement demands flexibility and global thinking. According to Jeenu Mathew, diversifying sourcing networks not only safeguards operations but also unlocks new opportunities.
Staying updated is another critical factor Jeenu Mathew touches upon. He admits to missing out on a significant price drop simply because he wasn’t tracking the market closely. In an era where information is power, procurement professionals must be as agile and informed as traders or analysts. For Jeenu Mathew, consistent learning and vigilance are not optional they’re essential.
What sets Jeenu Mathew’s message apart is its authenticity. Rather than presenting himself as a flawless expert, he embraces vulnerability. “Mistakes are inevitable, but they don’t define us they refine us,” he writes. This sentiment is central to his philosophy. In procurement, as in life, growth doesn’t come from avoiding failure but from learning through it.
The tone of Jeenu Mathew’s reflections is neither bitter nor boastful. It is constructive. He doesn’t wallow in past errors, nor does he dismiss them. Instead, he uses them as tools for education for himself, and for the wider community. By doing so, Jeenu Mathew contributes to a culture of openness and continuous improvement in a field often seen as rigid or transactional.
Procurement might not always be the most glamorous function in business, but as Jeenu Mathew articulates, when done with intention and insight, it becomes deeply rewarding. His post is a call to other professionals to reflect, adapt, and most importantly, share their stories not just of success, but of struggle and growth.
In a business world increasingly driven by automation and data, it’s easy to forget the human side of procurement. But as Jeenu Mathew reminds us, it’s the human touch rooted in honesty, accountability, and resilience that ultimately drives sustainable outcomes.
In revisiting his mistakes and transforming them into wisdom, Jeenu Mathew not only strengthens his own approach but offers guidance for those navigating the same terrain. His story is not about perfection; it’s about progression. And in that, there’s inspiration for every procurement professional seeking to elevate their practice.
As we reflect on the valuable insights shared by Jeenu Mathew, one question lingers in the mind what are our own biggest procurement mistakes, and what have we learned from them? In asking this, Jeenu Mathew not only shares his journey but invites others to begin theirs, armed with a bit more courage and a lot more clarity.
