Who Are These People, And What Are They Doing Here?

From time to time, we encounter a small gang that doesn't fit.  Different looks, different bearing, different postures.  Mijn vrouw and I experienced this phenomenon on a cruise when we discovered that each stateroom (a codeword for a punishing cell on a shifty boat of uncertain heritage) came fully equipped with a suspicious character of dubious origin.

It turned out that the crew were refugees from Transylvania, apprentice Draculas with only the capes on their backs.  Their startling expertise in springing out of doorways, with a "Good evening" that would have made Bela Lugosi proud kept us on our toes.

From time to time in the execution of our profession, we encounter small groups of tree-huggers making light conversation and little sense as they make their ways through throngs of supply chain practitioners.  And so, we ask ourselves, who are these people, and what are they doing here?  They clearly don't belong in a room full of logisticians and traffic managers.

Believe it or not, we need - and welcome -  these misfits.  It is only now that we are coming to realize that building and maintaining supply chain relationships is a new skill to be mastered in this emerging age of supply chain collaboration.  And we, frankly, have no real idea of how to construct sustainable relationships.  So, we embrace these strangers who, bizarre as their thinking might be, know what we need to learn to succeed in the new century of supply chain management.

Actually, those of us who learn how to leverage the special skills of the relationhsip management mavens are likely to enjoy success beyond our expectations.  We have a lot to gain by figuring out who these people are - and what they can do for us.