The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. It just doesn’t work in business, family relationships, athletic teams, and much of life. What if you could change the narrative? What do you want to carry over into the new year that is good and what are you willing to change?
As your leadership team reflects on 2020 (and yes it was an exceptionally bad year on many fronts) there are going to be best practices, protocols, organizational culture, clients, products, and systems that are good, profitable, and work well for you. That is indeed something you want to carry over. However, what is the thing (even sacred cows) you need to change or let go in 2021? Where do you need to change the narrative? Sales, customer service, quality control, marketing, bad actors on the team, culture shifts, products, R&D, drab offices?
Don’t worry about being ready to roll them out on 1/2/2021, instead be prepared to initiate meaningful change in January and the months ahead. This way you don’t rush it at the holidays. Every company should take some type of inner review as they make plans for the new year. Our company takes stock of what we have done over the years that have worked and even those things that haven’t as we plan where to focus our resources, time, attention, and funds for the new year.
Your process should include input from multiple sources to get an idea of hidden talents, ideas, and input from mid-level managers who have critical relationships with their people so everyone in the building feels they’ve been heard.
This doesn’t mean you drop something new because of the “but we’ve always done it this way,” crowd. Nor, does it mean that every suggestion is ideal for your company at a particular time or place. Timing is incredibly important because the last thing you want to do is invest your energy and resources into something that may be a great idea, but it’s just not the right time. Small businesses have to run differently because they can’t just draw on the bond market or capital investments during challenging times.
Leaders have to make tough calls and decisions that aren’t always the most popular but are in the best long-term interests of the company. Small incremental changes and improvements are a great way to change the narrative in a negative environment. Every aspect of your business is critical. Production needs sales, sales need a product to sell. Quality control must be present so production is accountable to put out a high quality and high performing product. Marketing pushes brand awareness and product quality for new customers.
Changing the narrative is not easy. It requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness for leadership to stay in the line of fire because they know the ultimate outcome is a good one. And team members need to support each other and leadership in new challenges, endeavors, and meaningful changes intended to boost sales, production, client satisfaction, and services.
Wise are the companies that are grappling with these issues heading into 2021. Their willingness and courage to institute strong change or new ideas will realize dividends regardless of the economy and pandemics statistics.
Change the narrative and carry over best practices in 2021 and you will be well served, so will your clients and customers!
At Century Printing and Packaging we are committed to the best practices and innovation within the printing and packaging industry. Change and technology are drivers for us. Listening to clients and our people enables us to be competitive, creative, and on time for customers. We specialize in label printing with the highest quality and standards. It’s why so many of our clients are return customers. We work with our customers seeking solutions that stick! Contact us today to ensure your product labels are done right and shipped on time!
Ben Waldrop, President
Century Printing and Packaging, Inc.
Greer, SC 29651
800.344.7509