Float Like A Butterfly; Sting Like A Bee

We note with sadness and much appreciation for the wonder of his skills that a once-reviled hero has passed. Muhammed Ali, nee Cassius Marcellus Clay, a native of Louisville and the world, lost the last round of his fight on a TKO, as we all do, yesterday.

A wonder of his age, Ali shocked a naive nation by renouncing his heritage to sign on with the Nation of Islam. He went on to stand on principle, and refuse to fight "them Viet Congs", which outraged the no teeth and fewer brains cadre.

Later exonerated, and mostly forgiven, he emerged from the idle years that should have been his best in boxing to create legends that will stand for generations, particularly the Frazier matches.

His by-now-recognized greatness was exemplified by the exaltation of the masses as he lit the Olympic flame in 1996's Atlanta games.

As we salute Ali's memory and achievements, there are takeaways for supply chain professionals. They begin with how we define ourselves, and how we are perceived by leaders and associates.

We should never be afraid to follow our consciences, and deal with the fallout with grace and style. We will either be eventually recognized and acclaimed, or ignored and have our self-knowledge for comfort on cold winter's evenings.

Whichever way, we will have done the right thing(s) by our own lights. They may not be popular; they might not even be right. But they will have been the choices of our own reasoning.

So, think long and hard about staying the course. The immediate reception is usually superficial; the short term view might be transiently negative. It is only the long term that matters - that, and how your courage engages, emboldens, and motivates those around you.

While you're at it, also consider the butterfly and the bee. All sting is not healthy for an enterprise and the people in it. All floating characterizes slacker scam artists. You've got to have both, and know when to use each.