The vendor missed the deadline again, and I'm on the call ready to push back. Then they give me the smooth explanation and I hear myself saying it's fine, we'll work around it. I keep the relationships running, but when it comes to holding their feet to the fire or squeezing a better deal, I fold.
More people experience this than they realize.
You keep vendors going but cave when it's time to hold them accountable or negotiate harder.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.