Buckeye Battle Cry - The Price Of Authenticity

We often talk about the importance of authenticity in personal and business relationships.  Sometimes we are disappointed when an unexpected authenticity reveals itself.  The fabric of the Buckeye Nation has been rent asunder over the past couple of weeks by the fallout from the football coach's sin of lying to the NCAA.

Whether one supports Jim Tressel or not, and whether or not one agrees with his choice to be authentic in relationships with his players, rather than be authentic in following the rules set out by collegiate football's governing body, he was, in the end, authentic in his own view of the greater good.

The coach elected to run a grave risk, with severe penalties, in order to stay true to his commitment to the players in his charge.  He lost the gamble, and is paying a steep price in self-image, public perception, and personal finances. 

Without either attacking or defending him or his choice, I began to wonder how this might relate to the world of supply chain business relationships.  The core questions are really two.  Would you be willing to take a hit  - to take one for the team - in the interest of a long-term relationship with a supplier, customer, or service provider?  And, would any of your supply chain partners be willing to take a hit for the sake of the long-term potential with you?

if the answer to either version of the question is no, there's another looming question.  Are you in the right kinds of business relationships with the right kinds of partners?