“The purpose of psychology is to give us a completely different idea of the things we know best” – Paul Valery, French Poet, Essayist and Critic (1871-1945)

There is nothing more unsettling and destabilising than the unknown and, at present, procurement appears to be piloting uncharted waters.

As the domino effect of the credit crunch continues to crash through the major financial centres of the world, procurement now finds itself at a crossroads (or perhaps more accurately a T-Junction).

One way lies opportunity, the other lies obscurity, and some, it seems are more ready, and certainly better prepared, than others to grasp the nettle.

The current economic climate dictates that many companies are having to completely re-think the way they operate, which leaves procurement ideally placed to make the most of the opportunities presented to it, even if they have to rip up their current strategies in ensure that they meet the rapidly evolving needs of the business.

“At a time like this it’s all about psychology and the art of positive thinking,” an eminent research analyst told Procurement Leaders yesterday. “It takes a pretty visionary company to see any silver-linings at the moment.

“It’s all about leadership, and companies that see a weakness as a strength and are prepared to take on new ideas are best placed to thrive.”

All of which must sound very familiar to Valery who, if he was around today, and had switched his attentions to a career in procurement, would doubtless be giving himself a self-congratulatory pat on the back.