Most days, the sum of what we do is greater than all the promises we make.

We can’t change time, but we can change how we use it.

Time is the great equalizer – the ultimate level playing field – and yet it holds such different meanings for each of us: the time it takes to get to work; the time between making contact with a customer and that customer buying (or not); the turnaround time to quote; the cycle time to produce; the lead time to deliver; the time it takes to get paid.

We cut short communication with customers and suppliers to our own detriment.

Regrettably in my case, there are constant reminders that time marches on. Of those, possibly the one most difficult to come to grips with is the notion that our contemporary, highly digital world doesn’t define “relationship” the way it used to.

Options abound, but the paradigm of where and how to proceed has changed.

As I begin focusing on the New Year, I can’t help but reflect at least a little on the year just ended. I spent a lot of time in various meetings, workshops, presentations and industry gatherings focused on supply-chain issues.