Stephanie Tuenter’s delaware story

Reality check

“In 2007, I joined the then Logistics team, which focused on both Purchasing and Warehouse Management.” This definitely brings back memories for Stephanie. “I remember thinking that the world was my oyster. But I still had so much to learn!” Back then, training consisted of a 4-week stay at SAP, where they would delve into the different modules. “Little did I know that, later on, I’d be using that theoretical knowledge in my day-to-day interactions with customers.”

With a junior in tow

Stephanie also speaks highly of the senior consultant who took her under his wing. “He was a wise and kind man, willing to share his extensive warehousing management knowledge with me.” This on-the-job training approach proved to be extremely valuable for Stephanie’s career at delaware. “That’s also one of the reasons why we’re looking for more senior profiles: to show our more inexperienced colleagues the ropes.”

Stephanie now leads the SAP Warehousing team at delaware. With more than 12 years’ worth of experience, does that mean she’s reached the limits of her learning capacity? “No, absolutely not. In our area of work – and especially with the current shift to EWM – being eager to learn is key.” It’s how the team can keep providing customers with the best guidance on their Warehousing processes.

Learning at delaware

Stephanie decided to further improve on her softer skills. The training sessions she followed are Priority Management, Sensitive Consulting Skills, Coach the Coach, Stress & Burnout prevention and Leadership Skills, amongst others. “I wanted to complete these to become a better team lead and project manager.” Cherry on top was the Advanced Management Program at Vlerick Business School: a 20-day program meant for those who recently got promoted to manager or lead expert, as was the case for Stephanie. 

A number of sessions stood out to Stephanie – especially those that forced her out of her comfort zone. “During the Sensitive Consulting Skills training, an actor would recreate an uncomfortable situation and ask you to find the best possible way out,” Stephanie explains. “He didn’t go easy on me and I could feel the pressure of the others watching me. I did, however, learn a lot from their feedback.” During the Leadership Skills training, Stephanie learned how to be more of a mediator in a conflict. “I now know which questions to ask to get to the root of someone’s emotions and better understand their behavior.”

Good training

According to Stephanie, good training consists of lots of interaction, strikes the right balance between theory and practice and, above all, can be applied to her everyday work. “Also, an open-minded coach who’s quick to react and adapt to the group’s questions, makes all the difference.” Receiving training – be it in hard or soft skills -  also helps to feel more confident and prepared when meeting with customers. Learning opportunities are everywhere, “and my advice is to grab each opportunity with both hands.” Stephanie still has a few training sessions in mind she’d like to follow, such as Sales Skills and SAP S/4HANA Skills for Project Managers.

3 tips

1. Make sure to request training at the right moment: “I took the Priority Management course a few years ago, while my mailbox was still quite manageable. Now, a refresh course might come in handy”.

2. Actively search for training and step out of your comfort zone: “A good training session will be a bit challenging at first.” 

3. Be critical of yourself: “Notice the gaps in your knowledge and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback during or after the training.”

Stephanie concludes: “delaware’s advanced training offer anticipates the needs of all consultants in a professional way, and I can’t wait to refine my skills even more in the time to come.”

Did we spark your interest? Be sure to check out our vacancy of a SAP Warehouse Management consultant (EWM).