“You still have to ask the question, even when you think you know the answer.”
Here’s the situation: You need supplies from a vendor, yesterday. Historically, they have a 4 week lead time. Others in the organization don’t even try to expedite the order and just place it at standard lead time. You pick up the phone, ask for the supervisor/manager/owner, and make your request. To your surprise, they comply immediately.
What are some of the reasons they might do this?
- They are holding too much inventory.
- They improved their process and shortened their lead time.
- They have a more customer-centric philosophy than earlier, and are willing to make an extra effort.
- Business is slow.
- Capacity has increased.
Get the idea? The world is fluid. Conditions change. Good and Bad Things happen every day, and there is no reason these changes can’t work in your benefit. But many times, people don’t bother asking the question. They assume a static world.
Critical Thinking is a Critical Skill. Practice it every day by asking those questions. When the answrs keep coming back the same, ask “Why?”
Next time, try this: Assume the supplier has done a poor job communicating that they can support whatever initiative is underway, and ask if they can improve. You might get a pleasant surprise, and you give your supplier a chance to be a hero.
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