Recharge Your Team for Success

All days are good, some are ‘gooder’ than others. You’ve heard me write that from time to time. The reality is that it’s true for most folks and your senior team is not immune. You may have noticed the weekly team meetings haven’t been as productive as they could be. You may also have noticed that the stretch goals for this year don’t have much stretch to them. And finally, you may have noticed that the fire that was inherent in your team lacks the fuel it once had. A good place to start in trying to tackle this issue is by taking a look in the mirror.

Your level of engagement

Is everyone still in, and engaged and trying to accomplish the goals of the business? Are you still engaged and providing that leadership and vision that only you can provide and that they look to for continued guidance? I’ve mentioned it before, that this business can be a grind. That said, it can be expected that people can fall into a rut and have a lull in a level of engagement they have. Remember that your main responsibilities are resource allocation. By that I’m referring to putting the right people in the right seats, keeping them challenged, and ensuring that the business plays to its potential. You are the keeper of the resources – the fuel.

Reignite the fire!

Getting your team back on track, begins with getting yourself back on track. You’ve been diligent with your investment in people and technology, and you did so with a goal in mind. Reconnect with that goal. Reconnect with the why of what you are doing. Review and reevaluate what you were trying to accomplish and find a way to regain the same level of excitement you had when you first started the business.

This isn’t a rah-rah speech

The continued success of your business relies on your ability to lead and provide direction. It doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers; you can rely on your team for that. What you do have to provide is where you want to go and why it’s important to get there – your vision for the business. It’s authentic and can’t be replicated if it truly comes from within. This isn’t a rah-rah speech, it’s a ‘let’s get back in the game’ speech. Look in the mirror and convince yourself that it’s the right thing to do, then turn around and share those thoughts with your team.

Lead everyday – it becomes a habit

You are the person uniquely qualified to lead your business. Doing it every day becomes a habit. Good habits become contagious and filters throughout your leadership team. Recharging your team for success, begins with recharging yourself. We all do it differently, we all have different triggers that we rely on, but at the end of the day we need to do it. Your business, your team, is counting on you.

The printing industry is at a crossroads where embracing change and innovation is not merely an option; it's an absolute necessity. The leaders in this industry didn’t get there by sitting on the sidelines. They took chances, they made bold decisions, and they led their team to great success.

Good luck in your continued efforts, regardless of the path you choose.

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.