When was the last time you walked the floor of your company to observe? When you’re the boss, it’s hard not to say something right away when you notice a mistake or a better way to do something. After all, those little time wasters or inefficiencies can affect the ability to charge more for a job or get it out the door sooner. The problem is, if you’re so focused on what’s going wrong, you won’t notice what’s going right.

I encourage printing business owners to walk through the shop, compliment jobs well done, and smile.

Withhold criticism, even constructive. Return to your office, write down your notes, and see if there are any larger issues that may be contributing to what you see. Sometimes the small mistakes are symptomatic of departmental communication, training, expectations, or workflow. It’s wise to look at the big picture before micromanaging the small stuff. In addition, you may want to let the department manager be the one to mention the error or issue to the employee. The manager will know the best way to approach the employee and share information in a way the employee can hear.

If your department head is not empowered to have those conversations, I recommend making that a first step. Also, consider sending managers to Dale Carnegie or a similar course. These courses can be taken at your worksite, offsite or online. Managers need to have the human relations and communications skills to handle stressful situations, listen constructively, solve problems, and lead confidently. Communicating unpleasant news, making constructive remarks, and establishing accountability and consequences are essential skills for managers.

Yes, you are the expert in your company and you have years of experience. But it’s also important that you are the champion of the company and show your pride in your team. Remember, your attitude and behaviors will set the mood for the entire company.



Rock LaManna helps printing owners and CEOs use their company financials to prioritize and choose the proper strategic path. He is President and CEO of the LaManna Alliance, and provides guidance on how to grow a printing business, merge with a synergistic partner, make a strategic acquisition, or create a succession plan. Rock can be reached by email at [email protected].