Consultant John Gentle has recently written in his Sage Advice column about the importance of trust in relationship management (www.logisticsmgmt.com).  A fast reaction from some might be, "Well, duh, everybody knows that!"

But, as we survey the wreckage of failed business relationships that surround us, it's clear that everybody doesn't know that.

So, for those who get it, the trust observations are a useful reminder.  For those who don't, maybe they present an opportunity for a wake-up call.

We continue to run into professionals who are committed to golf, drinks, and pole dancers as three keys to maintaining business relationships.  C'mon, it's 2010, and we can do better.  After the party's over, more and more supply chain players are figuring out that relationships are really about value and sustainability . . . and trust.