“How are you doing?” seems like a very simple, non-threatening question. Right? 

But consider the following responses I have received to this straightforward question recently:

 

- Ok, how are you? 

- What do you mean how am I doing? 

- I read in the paper that a recovery is underway, not sure what they mean, because this is not so for my company. 

- I am still here, I guess that is good?

- Why do you ask me a question like that? 

 

- First, all answers must be considered in the context that we are only 2 years removed from the shock, the panic of 2008. The fall of 2008 was an ugly time, and many have not yet exorcised it from their brains. 

 

- Second, an honest reaction to the “how are you doing?” question has to be placed in the context of 2009. The theme for many people in 2009 was survival. As companies cut costs, very few of us felt they were secure in their position. Many were surprised by actions their company took in 2009 and when asked in 2010, “how are you doing?” an honest reaction may be one of relief in even being asked that question. 

 

- Once one’s brain goes beyond 2008 and 2009, it is typical to consider the recent challenges and hard work of aligning their supply chain with the requirements of 2010 – and the reaction is one of relief that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  The challenge, however, is attempting to truly understand the requirements of 2010 as the level of uncertainty is great, and therefore, there still remains a significant amount of heartache in feeling good about “how they are doing.”

 

- The good news is that I am beginning to see, for many, the reality of next year as we see the return of refining and evolving your supply chain for profitable growth in 2011. I see a time coming where our efforts are once again focused on the application of supply chain excellence to both increase the top line through growth as well as the bottom line through reduced supply chain costs.