So What If You're Late To The Party?

A recent inquiry to an on-line discussion forum asked whether we, as self-styled "experts," were seeing more collaboration as a means of dealing with the tough economic times we're entering.  I was uncharacteristically taken aback.  If the past couple of years didn't qualify as tough times, I'm not sure what would.  And, while we're not where we all want to be, we can now look back down at the bottom of the pit.

To be blunt (which, in response, I fear I was) when hard times arrive is no time to start thinking about collaborative relationships.  That has a bit of a deathbed conversion feel to it - and might not seem genuine to the newly discovered object of business affection.  The time to begin honest collaborative relationships is when times are good, building the foundation that will withstand turbulence and economic challenges.

And, to think about beginning collaboration - as opposed to death-struggle negotiation - now, while better than poking oneself in the eye with a spaghetti fork, might be frustrating.  You see, the companies that were already collaborating and treating their supply chain partners fairly overv the past two or three years now have an advantage over those that didn't.

So, for those who are really late to the party, don't turn around and go home.  But, be prepared - you're not going to have as much fun as you would have if you'd been on time.