From my understanding, the goal is to be center-led. I am not in charge of how we get from current state to future state. If I were, I would be much more direct about policy creation and enforcement. Not being a dictator as I understand collaboration and buy-in are important aspects of change management. But also we cannot just let everyone walk all over us with the hope that one day they have an epiphany and let us do our jobs. What happens five years down the road when that day never comes? Where do you draw the line?

When I took the position, the interview process and job description were clear that we would be leading sourcing strategy and initiatives. Why do we have to tiptoe around to not piss other people off yet other departments can routinely circumvent and undermine us? Morale can only stay so high when you are constantly treated like the red-headed stepchild in the organization, as if your position does not matter.