The majority of your suppliers are likely to fit here. They perform at a level similar to that of a Sustain supplier, with equivalent shortcomings. The key difference is that should they fail— especially repeatedly—you would be more likely to replace them than a faltering Sustain supplier. The Improve relationship can feel unstable for you and the supplier as a result. Instead, turn the unknowns into opportunities by helping the Improve supplier to raise performance and move toward Harvest status.