I had every intention of penning an insightful post on shrinkage and how “acceptable” it’s become within the P&Ls of our retail and restaurant industries. Instead, I’m absolutely transfixed on TNT’s showing of The Wizard of Oz. I learned to appreciate the intelligence and beauty of this movie during my sophomore year at the University of Kansas (Go Jayhawks!!!).

I maintain a degree in English Literature and leverage it every day of my life. The powerful contrast of innocence and political revolution in The Wizard of Oz is so amazingly subtle, a child would love it (you did!). What? Politcal undertones? I’ll briefly explain:

Dorthy: Common folk

Scarecrow: Farmers

Tinman: Industrialists

Lion: Political Leaders

Tornado: Political Upheaval

Get the picture? Allegories have been used since the days of Chaucer and up through John Keats, The Beatles and beyond. We often have to tell a story to get the true message across. While this bolds well for the romanticism of literature, music and mission statements, there is no man behind the curtain in modern business. Don’t let your “culture” fool you. You simply can’t afford it.

Employ the technology, gain the insight and see the results. I’ll talk about shrinkage next time.