Clean Air Goes Beyond The EPA

The Kid has been struggling mightily in the turbulent wake of moving on in his affairs of the heart. Little Ripley was not only his one-time hope for the future, she was a friend, easy to be with and good fun at whatever electronic game du jour was rotting the brains of children all over America. But, the friendship door slammed shut when the love boat sailed.

Last week, The Kid laced up his sneakers and announced that he was going over to Ripley's, and clear the air. It was apparently an awkward process, with the lad confessing that he missed the fun and games, and wanted to restore that part of their relationship. Ripley understood, and admitted that she wanted the tension and awkwardness to go away. And so, they are back together, as friends.

The Kid has announced that "a great wave has been lifted from my shoulders". Once again, we can learn from The Kid, even if his linguistic gifts sometimes slightly miss the mark.

How much easier would our supply chain lives be if we took the time to clear the air when things are not quite right? How much tension and awkwardness could we avoid if we spoke timely, plainly, and completely about where things really stand with service providers, suppliers, associates - and our bosses?

Imagine how much taller you would be with that great wave lifted.