Where Others Stop, They Start

The best leaders separate themselves by doing the hard things. The things that others say are just too hard to do or too complicated. They have many strong attributes, but one that truly stands out. Yes, they have a great culture, and their strategy is on the mark but what really sets them apart is their disciplined work ethic and execution.

This isn’t a one-time initiative, or flavor of the month. From the top down, these actions are baked into the way they do business. It’s one thing to want to be this way and quite another to pull it off. The ability to articulate, “where are we going, and how and when will we get there” is a critical component of this approach. Clear, unwavering communication is a critical success factor.

Some of these hard things involve doing things you’ve never done before. Or doing things differently than how you’ve done them before. What’s that statement, “you don’t understand, that’s not how we’ve done it here.” That line does not work in these organizations! Changing behaviors, particularly around automation and workflow can be a real challenge. Responding to your client’s expectations with an analog approach quickly highlights the need to change the game from the past. Furthermore, most companies have already invested in complex MIS systems and workflow automation software – go the extra mile and make sure that they are fully integrated and capture the essence of what they were truly designed to do.

But why stop there, you still need great people right? Hiring experienced talent has certainly created many challenges over these last several years. While the latest technology can help with the labor that’s available, you still need talented people on the factory floor and throughout all aspects the business. The leaders don’t just settle for anyone to bring into their company.

My observation is that they apply this disciplined approach to their client facing activities as well. They understand the difference between client retention and client acquisition and work to excel at both. They don’t take a wait-and-see attitude, they are definitely playing offense. From a strategy perspective, they work hard to create value beyond the printed product, and from a tactical perspective they take calculated risks, provide new offerings, and present pricing strategies that balance the need to protect margins while filling their capacity.

Doing the hard things isn’t always easy, that’s for sure. But just as in life, the easy route isn’t as sustainable as it may appear to be. We all have choices – each day we decide the path we’ll take. And no, you can’t take Yogi Berra’s advice of, “when you get to a fork in the road – take it.” Good luck in your decisions!

Mike Philie can help validate what’s working and what may need to change in your business. Changing the trajectory of a business is difficult to do while simultaneously operating the core competencies. Mike provides strategy and insight to owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic advice, not being afraid to voice the unpopular opinion and helping leaders navigate change through a common sense and practical approach. Learn more at www.philiegroup.com, LinkedIn or email 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.