The Watermelon Scorecard is a term coined by University of Tennessee researchers to explain how a supplier may be meeting a buyer’s required specifications, but is not really collaborating to drive innovative value over the long term for the buyer. In essence, the scorecard is green on the outside but red on the inside! The trend over the last […]
From the Blog
Vision and Passion
It seems a given that starting just about anything new – a new job, a project, a mental outlook – requires vision and passion. But like the practice of listing New Year’s resolutions, vision and passion are easier said than done. Achieving those BHAGs requires the right mix of vision plus passion. Amazing things can […]
Christmas Stocking-Stuffers 2017
Here are some items I hope Santa will seriously consider leaving for outsourcing, procurement and supply chain professionals: Collaboration: Of course, I start with this! Trust: Yes, it’s hard to know who to trust, who is honest and who is willing to be as transparent as perhaps you are willing to be. My advice: take […]
What Henry Ford Understood About Wages
In 1914 Henry Ford had a great idea – the mass production of automobiles for the masses. But he also knew that he needed highly productive workers – and a lot of them – to make that idea happen. So, he came up with another great idea, in fact something extraordinary and unheard of: pay […]
Happy Thanksgiving!
On this Thanksgiving I’m thinking about the Vested movement and thanking all those who have brought us here in only seven-plus years, which have flown by breathtakingly fast! It all started with one slim book based on solid research and a great idea—now we are up to six books and counting. Movements are not necessarily easy to […]
Avoid Idea Killer Bingo
No doubt you know about the game of Bingo – it’s great fun to shout Bingo! when you complete a line and win the prize. The Idea Sandbox has devised an instructive take on the Bingo theme called Idea Killer Bingo. It features a Bingo card with many of the killer phrases that squelch innovative ideas and even discussion of […]
Richard Thaler Awarded Nobel Prize for His Contributions to Behavioral Economics
Thaler’s work provides a more realistic understanding of human behavior in economic theory.
Moving the Cheese Smartly
Last week I was in The Netherlands speaking at arvato’s Supply Chain Masterclass. Of course, I couldn’t resist the urge to go to one of Holland’s wonderful cheese shops. But deciding on what to buy often seems overwhelming after you have tasted a dozen samples! My recent visit made me think about the book Who […]
Sharing Knowledge is Power Multiplied
Most everyone would agree with the adage that knowledge is power, but what about sharing that knowledge? Some might argue that in the context of a contract negotiation, for example, knowledge provides a competitive advantage—so why share it? I would argue just the opposite. . Briefly put, sharing knowledge creates a dynamic of transparency, trust […]
Culture, Yes! Based on Lived Values? Yes Again!
Most companies stress the importance of their culture as a key to their success. Are these mere feel good words, or really real? I thought about this as I read about Bobby Herrera, CEO of Populus Group, in a “leader profile” blog post by Patrick Lencioni, founder of The Table Group. Lencioni examined the factors that make the Populus […]
