We all know that we have to deal with suppliers. Many see them as the enemy and feel that they come off second best. While working with a cash-strapped food company, I encouraged the CEO to have a full and open relationship with his suppliers. They were to call him regularly at the beginning of each month, so that he knew how much he had to pay. Then, he would carefully allocate the resources available for payment, and tell them who would be paid how much and when. They did not always like it, but he was respected. Moreover, he always received what he wanted.