The Road Not Working: When Your Reset Button Keeps Failing

Businesses entered the year armed with fresh plans, budgets, and teams - yet again. And yet again, after three quarters, they've watched those plans fail to launch under familiar pressures: unpredictable demand, chronic staffing issues, and inconsistent operational execution. While some owners debate another pivot or staying the course, there's a deeper truth to face: these aren't just temporary challenges, they're symptoms of long-standing systemic issues.

Let's be honest - the "new" headwinds many blame aren't really new at all. They're just magnifying problems that have been festering beneath the surface for years. The pandemic or supply chain strains didn't create these issues; it just made them impossible to ignore any longer. Will a new government administration make the difference necessary to right the ship? Many hope so. But hope is not a strategy.

Take inconsistent demand. Yes, it's painful, but is it really surprising? Many printers have been watching their core customers slowly drift away for years, hanging onto hope they'll return rather than facing the need for fundamental change. The harsh reality? Some of that business isn't just paused - it's gone.

The sales team keeps saying they're "waiting for the market to recover." But after a few years, isn't it time to admit that waiting isn't a strategy either? The old playbook isn't working anymore, yet many resist making the deep changes needed to find new revenue streams. Many of the companies that have made a significant pivot are reaping the benefits of those decisions

Before launching yet another reorganization or pivot attempt, leaders should confront why their previous change efforts failed. Were they really addressing root causes or just treating symptoms? Were they willing to make truly difficult decisions or just cosmetic changes?

Success requires more than just weathering current challenges - it demands honestly evaluating why past transformation attempts fell short and having the courage to make real, foundational changes this time.

If you've been struggling to change course despite multiple attempts, let's have an honest conversation about what's really holding your business back.

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 ambitious owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic insight, 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.