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Changing Leadership Styles in the Print Industry

Changing Leadership Styles in the Print IndustryLeadership styles are always evolving—changes have been especially notable in the past ten years.

It used to be that the most effective leadership style was “Command and Control.” This style was inspired by the way we led our troops in World War II. This method has continued to find favor right up to the present moment in the print industry.

However, this leadership style has given way to a more effective style we can label “Inspire and Engage.”

In a command and control environment, leaders decide to tell everyone what to do, and subordinates are expected follow orders.

On the other hand, leaders can choose an inspire and engage style. In this environment, we communicate to our team the vision, mission, values, milestones, and plans that will inspire them. Then we ask them to personally get engaged in helping the company to achieve those print industry goals.

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Create Tension in the Workplace for Better Results

Tension in the WorkplaceHave you ever thought of the value of tension in the workplace, particularly for your print business?

Tension in the workplace makes us uncomfortable and may even cause anxiety and stress us out, regardless of our title. However, growth and results are where the tension is.

Why?

Tension usually develops when we want to or need to achieve a result and we are not sure we can make it happen. We may have a goal we want to achieve or generate the necessary results for our company. In the absence tension in the workplace, we will achieve less and we will not grow as a person or as a company.

If we seek the areas that create tension, that means we are pushing to make progress.

Here are five ways we can create positive tension in the workplace that leads to growth and future success. Read more

When Complexity Reigns … Stop, Simplify, Refocus

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Have you ever been overwhelmed by complexity or by having too many items on your project or to do list in the printing industry?

The feeling you get when you think you have to do it all can make your life seem very complex, and you know the next item added to your list just might drive you through the roof.

There is a way to regain that sense of clarity and simplicity that allows you to refocus your efforts.

Here is a process for regaining the level of simplicity that allows you to accomplish your most important goals:

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Think Big to Accomplish More

thinking

Have you ever thought of the value of thinking big in terms of goal setting or the vision for your life or your print business? There is tremendous value in thinking big as often as you can. People who are big thinkers have more opportunities and accomplish more than they would if they thought small.

Here are several reasons why thinking big will help you accomplish more:

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Five Ways to Avoid the Comparison Trap

comparison

Have you ever thought about how comparison can trap you in the print industry? When we compare ourselves to others, we put ourselves in a trap of thinking “I am not good enough” or “I am not making enough progress.” Instead, we need to avoid the comparison trap to maintain a state of contentment with ourselves.

I am not saying that we should stay away from healthy comparison by looking at what others are achieving as a benchmark or a learning opportunity. However, to use others as a measure of your own self-worth can not only deal your self-esteem a blow, but can also keep you from setting a unique course that makes you different from others.

Here are five ways to help you avoid the comparison trap in the print industry:

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Six Reasons to Create a Compelling Vision

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Have you ever created a vision for your printing company or for your life? If so, was it compelling? Was it a vision that created interest? One that was inspiring to you and others?

All of us search for meaning in life and want to know we are making the most of the time, talents, and resources we have been given.

Here are several reasons to consider creating a compelling vision that gets you up every morning and pulls you forward.

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