President's Article "Serving our Members with purpose and passion..." By George F. Nagy, C.P.M., President NAPM-Orange County, Inc. Affiliated with the Institute of Supply Management

“That’s great, but it will never work for us.”
How often have we heard that or even said it when we something new or different that seems unattainable. I recently had a purchasing class from a local college tour our state-of-the-art, world-class manufacturing facility. They were all visibly impressed, and as tired and footsore as they were, seemed to have a good learning experience. The one thing that stuck in my mind was a comment I overheard. “This is great, but we could never apply it to where I work.” It struck home because there was a time, I might have made a similar comment.

We do a great disservice to our employers and ourselves by concentrating on the here and now. Instead we should look ahead, beyond the present and imagine what it could be like if only... When we look beyond the potential of immediate application, only then can we separate the elements of what we have seen. The entire process may not be attainable, but perhaps an aspect or an element might be just what is needed. If you dismiss the information as “this does not apply” it will be lost, perhaps for ever, and your opportunity to make that difference along with it.

Holiday time usually gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past year. What was accomplished and what opportunities were missed. What new skills did we develop? How did we do it, what were we really pleased with and what could we have done better? What do I need to do or learn to be more effective? Was I a positive influence on those around me? Whom did I mentor or otherwise influence by my actions. What are my priorities for the coming year?

I encourage you to take stock, understand what you know and how you can use that knowledge to benefit yourself, as well as others. Do not summarily dismiss new information because it is not immediately applicable. Instead, be creative; look at how you could effect change. Examine the elements of what you have learned and see if you can create a new picture by putting the pieces of the puzzle together differently. Look at when you might create changes, sometimes timing is the most critical factor. Share information and your ideas with your management and coworkers. Brainstorm within the association. Who knows, you may be the inspiration that they are waiting for.

I would like to wish all the members of our association a very happy and fulfilling holiday season. Thank you for all of your support during the past year. I look forward to next year with great enthusiasm. I know together we will be able to make our association even more successful.