Picture a wall with a hole or a gap in it. Hadrian built a wall across the British Isles. A wall was the best means of protection in ancient times. A breach in the wall would let the enemy through. If there was a breach in the wall, defenders would have to swarm to that location and hold the breach. The gap would need to be repaired as soon as possible. If a breach was left unattended or unrepaired, the city or country could fall. Cities or organizations may not have walls like that today but there are still very real gaps.

This picture came to mind when serving as Director of Purchasing & Supply at a local School district on the outskirts of San Antonio. We had been looking at our district processes and mapping them. We found gaps, areas which could be improved. Gaps that could however be filled such as training, staff development, delivery time, customer service, employee feedback/recognition, measures of success...etc.

Once the need is identified however, it requires a response. A call to action if you will. In this case the call is who will stand up, go, and fill the gap? By applying the knowledge, skills and abilities gained in over 30 years of Procurement and Acquisition management we can help fellow public servants and fill targeted gaps.