'Ordinary Is Unacceptable'

Tim Baechle, Idealliance

Think outside the box. Everyone has heard it and at some point, has probably uttered the words. According to Tim Baechle, VP, Global Print Technologies and Workflows, Idealliance, there is no “box.”

“Forget about the ‘box,’ there is no box, there never has been,” he said.

In a session, “The Extraordinary Customer Experience: Going Beyond the Target,” at Idealliance’s booth (Booth 2067) yesterday afternoon, he urged attendees to look at the business from afar and be honest about what is working and what isn’t working and then make a change.

Although there is comfort in staying the course, it’s not viable in an evolving printing industry. Baechle suggested looking introspectively to solve problems that you’re faced with, instead of placing the blame somewhere else. “Find the gaps, mind the gaps, fill the gaps,” he said.

Baechle recommended that companies look at skills and not resumes; it’s often the characteristics that you don’t find on a resume that prove to be the best indicators of a potential hire or someone worthy of a promotion. It’s “fire, passion, work ethic, perseverance, loyalty, a growth mindset, and resilience” that matter. Even more so, it’s critical to consider “potential over pedigree.” Someone may have the experience, but not be the right fit.

Most importantly though, Baechle argued that to stand out and be remembered, it’s not enough to follow the “ herd” and strive to be ordinary.

“Ordinary is unacceptable and extraordinary is the benchmark,” he said.