Outsourcing Leadership Blog

Joining a Service Provider – Is It Really “The Dark Side”?

Posted by Lisa Ross on Tuesday, 22 December 2009 16:04

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Categories: Outsourcing

A bit more than a year ago, I took a position with a global business process service provider in what many had termed as going over to “the dark side”, a term typically used when an industry person joins a supplier organization. Having been a renowned research analyst who tracked outsourcing activity for more than 12 years, I longed for a change. I already had worked with all the major suppliers, consultants, lawyers, associations, and publications to share perspectives about outsourcing. I was ready to hone my experience into a strategic position to help grow the brand of a company I respected.

Well, lo and behold, I am still in the service provider universe – more well rounded, more confident re: what I am good at (and challenged at doing!), more understanding about effectively working through cultural differences, and definitely more impressed with how global companies succeed in spite of external and internal challenges. Every day turns out to be a learning experience. I continually find glimpses of gaining respect for my colleagues and third parties with whom I work as we all try to stay “one step ahead” of what might be.

In retrospect, the only dark side I could pinpoint is the loss of volume to my voice…something that happens to all of us if/when we move from a position of influence and authority to that of being just 1 of tens-of-thousands of other employees. But you know what? In this world, we find ways to make ourselves heard. We churn out work products that make us proud. We help others solve problems. We communicate more effectively with folks we otherwise may not have reached in the past. We aim to collaborate in a corporate environment that requires perseverance and patience.

Most of all, being in a supplier role has taught me the importance of focusing on the “light,” not the dark. At the end of the day, all we have is our accomplishments and ideas of what we could do better tomorrow. And I’m still excited to be in this outsourcing universe and the potential of what may be in 2010.

Lisa Maio Ross is Vice President, Marketing – Sourcing Advisor Relations for Genpact. Her comments represent her personal views, not those of Genpact. She can be reached at 857-318-1358 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Comments

#3 Knowledge Process Ou 2010-03-01 00:49 We are all looking forward to what's in store for us this year. Hope that it will be a great for everyone of us. Quote

#2 Philippine Outsourci 2010-01-20 20:53 This was a pertinent post. It's a learning experience for those who are in the same field. Hope everyone feels the same. Really nice post. Very good points. I hope plenty of people see it. -Jaime Quote