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Supply chain management is adopting cost cutting, optimization, speed of deployment, agility and real-time process information and automation, with 21st century software leading the way—and as the economy begins to rebound, companies are starting to spend on software again.

“Companies are going to stay focused on lowering the costs of doing global business at the same time that they expand their sources of supply and volume of product—and they’re going to use software to do it,” says Collins. “We’re also seeing emerging market companies in countries like India, China, and Brazil that are beginning to bring product into consumer markets from outside suppliers. Regardless of where companies are operating, they are rethinking how their supply chains work. Some are opting to go to regional supply chain depots to hold parts. In this way, they can position more inventory closer to customers, and have fewer shipments. This all depends on the nature of the product and the cost of freight.”

When I was a very young journalist, full of bravado and barely concealed insecurity, Ed Kosner, editor of Newsweek, hired me to do a job I wasn't sure I was capable of doing. Thrown into deep water, I had no choice but to swim. But I also knew he wouldn't let me drown. His confidence buoyed me.

The more leaders make us feel valued, in spite of our imperfections, the less energy we will spend asserting, defending and restoring our value, and the more energy we have available to create value.