Change the Tempo of Your Business – Lead the Leaders

If you want to transform your business, look past the equipment, the process, and even the strategy. Start with your managers. They're the ones driving your culture, your accountability, and your execution. And if they’re stuck, your company is too.

Too often, we assume that because someone knows the process, they know how to lead. But process knowledge doesn’t equal people leadership. We need to stop hoping our managers develop leadership traits by osmosis and start helping them become confident, capable leaders.

The first step is understanding where each manager shines—and where they struggle. Are they good with process but uncomfortable giving feedback? Are they great with customers but unsure how to manage conflict? Get specific.

From there, map out a development plan. Not a performance review. A real plan. One that treats leadership as a skill, not a personality trait.

Here are a few areas to focus on with your managers:

• Coaching and developing team members
• Navigating tough conversations with empathy
• Building trust and accountability
• Aligning departmental work to company goals

This isn’t fluff. In fact, it may be the most impactful initiative you take this year.

Lack of career development is often why employees leave. You want to retain good people? Invest in the people who lead them. Provide training that goes beyond systems and gets into communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

And no, you don’t have to do it all in-house. Many payroll and HR partners offer solid leadership training modules. Tap into peer groups or bring in outside facilitators. Whether it’s self-paced or in-person, the point is to do something.

Here’s the kicker—when your managers grow, they don’t just get better. They help everyone around them get better too. That means improved morale, stronger retention, and better execution.

Want to change the tempo of your business? Start by developing the people who set the beat.

I help owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry validate what’s working, identify what needs to change, and create a practical path forward. Learn more at philiegroup.com or reach out at mphilie@philiegroup.com

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.