In the mid-1980s the retail industry was changing. Walmart was growing rapidly, while Kmart was beginning to decline.
Jim, a friend of mine, was an executive at Kmart at the time. Jim remembers Kmart executives holding a weekend retreat specifically to discuss Walmart’s success.
Yet, any comments addressing the possibility that Walmart could overtake Kmart were quickly squelched. When Jim heard the CEO conclude that Walmart was simply not a threat, Jim began seeking a new job.
In 1 Chronicles 12:32 David notes the unique quality of one tribe when he wrote, “Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.”
When our industry or business is shifting, it’s imperative that we set aside our pride and seek out and listen to men who understand the times.
