Supplier relationship lessons from a stand-up comedian?
This short article is inspired by a book that has been on my reading list for some time and I have just managed to finish. “I can’t make this up. Life Lessons.” written by stand-up comedian, actor and producer Kevin Hart and co-author Neil Strauss.
Thankfully Mr. Hart has not decided to go into Sourcing and Supply Chain. You may then wonder what a comedian’s memoir has to do with my field of work?
Nothing could be more unrelated since supply chain is no laughing matter!
Well, the truth is, the book is full of accounts of perseverance, and it inevitably reminded me of countless stories from my years in manufacturing, when an elusive goal was eventually brought about not by luck or power but by commitment and sheer perseverance of everyone involved.
The author’s relentless desire to bounce back from failures and continue improving his craft is admirable and, I must confess, at times, incomprehensible.
Yet, mainstream success eventually came, not because something or someone finally discovered him and decided to show the world how great he was all along, but because he worked tirelessly to better himself until his mastery was natural and undeniable.
The book is full of inspiring lessons, and I would like to share with you, to the authors’ credit, a few quotes about his footprint for success:
Persistence: It is okay to fail, but it is not okay to quit.
Patience: Patience drives away anger and disappointment when success does not happen overnight.
Class: Know that all human beings are worthy of the same level of respect and consideration. There are no positive consequences of showing up anywhere with a bad attitude.
Commitment: In business, there are contracts; there may not be contacts in other areas of life, but there are commitments. Honour them. Your most crucial contract is your word.
Learning: Observe, listen, evaluate and then choose.
Passion-centred competitiveness: Do something you enjoy and then keep raising the bar. You are not competing against anyone; you are competing with them and making a better you in the process.
Positivity: What you put out is what you get back. If someone is putting out negativity, maneuver around them as you would a poodle on the ground. If you respond to their negativity, you’ll get dragged into the mud.
Discomfort: This quality is for high achievers. If you really want to succeed in your life, then never get too comfortable with any situation. If you get too comfortable and break, it will be harder to accelerate again.
I can not think how these qualities would not be helpful to everyone involved in managing complex processes across different companies in a volatile world as supply chain and sourcing professionals do.
The book is delightful and highly recommended.
P. S. Would you like to know more about sourcing, supply chain and business operations in the manufacturing world coupled with fostering a positive mindset? Here are three resources to get started right away.
- Join the community at our Private Facebook group to interact with business owners and professionals from all over the world operating in diverse industries, where we all share interesting news, helpful tips, encouragement and positive vibes.
- Receive our bi-weekly “Tuesday Talk”, and get insights and opportunities delivered right to your inbox.
- Book a 30-minute introductory session with Ana. Let’s meet and talk about your challenges and ideas, chances are I may be able to share some helpful thoughts.
I will be thrilled to share the journey with you!
