Changing Leadership Styles in the Print Industry
Leadership 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.