The document provides 10 commandments for success at outsourcing based on the author's over 12 years of experience managing outsourcing. The commandments include getting clear on the reasons for outsourcing, planning the process thoroughly, leading change within the organization, building a strong team, prioritizing people issues, carefully selecting partners, practicing effective implementation, establishing processes, measuring performance, and having contingency plans in case of issues. The author advocates for outsourcing when it makes strategic sense for reasons like cost control rather than just following trends.

1. 10 Commandments for Success at Outsourcing
Across the world organizations have taken to outsourcing for competitive advantage. Are there
still organizations out there that question outsourcing? Here’ why you should consider
outsourcing:
My main focus is on my game- Tiger Woods
One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never
concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master
anything in particular.- Tony Robbins
I have spent more than 12 years managing the complexities of outsourcing. I have seen successes
and failures. Here are my 10 Commandments for Success at Outsourcing for the business leaders
exploring the strategic relationships.
Commandment 1: Get you Reasons Right
One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the
heaviest odds.- Mahatma Gandhi
Answer to the question “why outsource?” is the first and the most critical element of the game. Do
not outsource because everyone does. Outsource for your reasons; cost control, quality control,
risk mitigation, geographic expansion, Human resources etc. Take your time to figure out the
reasons.
Commandment 2: Plan the Route, Be Detailed
Failing to plan is planning to fail. – Alan Lakein
Plan the route, set the milestones and define the responsibilities. It is important to set the goals
and expectations before you start to minimize surprises.
Commandment 3: Lead the change
Leadership involves finding a parade and getting in front of it.- John Naisbitt
Outsourcing is too important to implement Bottom Up in and organization. Outsourcing is a
strategic move and is successful only when the Leader is convinced and committed to the cause.
Commandment 4: Build your Team, Get Process Champions
I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people. –
Mahatma Gandhi
A leader is as effective as his trusted lieutenants. Identify and nurture process champions in your
organization and encourage them to spread the knowledge and build grow and motivate their
teams.
Commandment 5: It’s all about people
You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership. – Dwight D.
Eisenhower
Outsourcing will impact the lives of your employees and they will certainly be apprehensive about
Job Loss. Address your people concerns. Involve your people in the process.
Commandment 6: Date, Court, get Married
Don’t marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can’t
live without. – James C. Dobson

2. Outsourcing relationships are like marriages built on trust, compatibility empathy and flexibility.
Spend time analyzing your partner organization’s culture, their vision and plan. Ask the right
questions to find your match. Remember that the cheapest is not necessarily the best.
Commandment 7: Practice what you Preach
I try to keep in touch with the details… I also look at the product daily. That doesn’t mean you
interfere, but it’s important occasionally to show the ability to be involved. It shows you
understand what’s happening. - Rupert Murdoch
Your outsourcing plan will be put to test only when implemented. Lead the implementation
process; get involved in the details initially. Empower the process champions with tools to take the
vision forward.
Commandment 8: Process, Process, Process
We do not learn; and what we call learning is only a process of recollection. – Plato
Document your successes and failures. This documentation will be the reference points for the
future. Organizations can benefit the economies of scale and outsourcing only by setting up the
process and following in every time.
Commandment 9: Measure and Analyze
Round Numbers are always false. - Samuel Johnson
Measure the impact at every milestone, compare with organizational and industry benchmarks.
Analyze the performance and tweak the process as needed. At times there may be no prior
references, the Vision and strength of leadership is tested in such situations.
Commandment 10: Be prudent- Get the prenup in order.
Divorce is probably of nearly the same date as marriage. I believe, however, that marriage is
some weeks the more ancient. – Voltaire
Relationships do go wrong. Give the Outsourcing relationship a chance however; you should have
a Tactical Plan B ready if things do not produce desired results initially. On the strategy front, be
wise to safe guard your interest and include an opt-out and other safeguard clauses in the
contract. Change outsourcing partner, in case of cultural differences and insurmountable
integration challenges.
About the Author
Bhaskar Thakur is Entrepreneur, Digital Business and Social Media Evangelist. A seasoned
marketer and entrepreneur with over 13 years experience, he is founder of
www.worldwithoutme.com, www.initiative31.com. Bhaskar is among the first wave of Internet
Marketers in India and specializes in creating Strategies, solutions and slatforms for Social Web.
He enjoys mentoring businesses and coaching the young.