• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Label Insights: Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements

    Die Technology

    Ink Innovation

    E-Commerce Labels

    Contingency Planning
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Global Graphics unveils new SmartDFE

    Channeled Resources installs new slitter in Toronto facility

    Kao Collins launches new website for printing inks and services

    Xitron announces addition of Bill Brunone

    Esko and Asahi unveil CrystalCleanConnect flexo platemaker
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    S-OneLP launches Cannabis Resource Guide

    Bobst announces virtual packaging industry event

    Enprom helps converter respond to flexible packaging needs

    anytron assists medical device company with labeling

    Deep dive into the packaging supply chain
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Bailprint Labels installs Nilpeter FA-17

    Domino promotes Jessie Van Apeldoorn

    Controlling static and contamination in label production

    Touring Creative Labels of Vermont

    Collaboration helps propel Creative Labels of Vermont
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Global Graphics unveils new SmartDFE

    Channeled Resources installs new slitter in Toronto facility

    Kao Collins launches new website for printing inks and services

    Xitron announces addition of Bill Brunone

    Esko and Asahi unveil CrystalCleanConnect flexo platemaker
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Esko and Asahi unveil CrystalCleanConnect flexo platemaker

    Bailprint Labels installs Nilpeter FA-17

    Bobst enhances design of Mouvent LB701-UV digital label press

    Epson SurePress reaches milestone

    Maxcess updates user interface for Fife guiding Sensor
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Channeled Resources installs new slitter in Toronto facility

    Kao Collins launches new website for printing inks and services

    Acucote expands Insights educational program

    Sakata INX and INX International continue sustainability efforts

    Monadnock Paper Mills joins SGP
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Corotec Corporation

    Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG)

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    KTI

    Dantex Group
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    The Bottom Line

    ‘It’s the people, stupid’

    ...

    Related CONTENT
    • PPG releases 2020 Sustainability Report
    • Domino promotes Jessie Van Apeldoorn
    • Collaboration helps propel Creative Labels of Vermont
    • TLMI delivers optimism about future of label industry
    • Mark Andy organizes international webinar for students
    Rock LaManna11.17.17
    At trade shows and expos, we marvel at the big presses and hear how they can improve our businesses. We use technology to improve our production and boost our bottom line. We look at new materials and processes, and think about ways we can produce exciting, innovative products.

    But at the end of the day, it comes down to one thing: It’s the people. Or to paraphrase Bill Clinton’s famous election slogan, “It’s the people, stupid.”

    Let me show you what I mean.

    “We’ve Got Their Backs”
    In the October issue of L&NW, Rhonda Baker and her company LTI (Labels, Tags and Inserts) were featured as a “Company to Watch.” Located in Burlington, NC, USA, LTI is a family business established by Rhonda’s father, LeRoy Baker, back in 1974.

    The Bakers have built their business on expertise, passion and courage. In the aftermath of 9/11, when companies were hanging on to their cash, Rhonda was buying equipment and investing in the future.

    But as she notes, all that equipment means little unless you have the people to make it happen. According to Rhonda, LTI tells all its new hires that they are one big family, and that, “We’ve got their backs.”

    They mean it, too. They pay all of their employees’ medical insurance, 401(k)s, short and long-term disabilities and life insurance. It’s why they’ve only lost two employees during the last 20 years, which is downright amazing.

    But wait...they’re not alone.

    Never Lay Someone Off
    Meet Lori Campbell of The Label Printers. Her company was profiled in the July/August 2006 issue of L&NW, has been in the news a multitude of times, and has won many prestigious industry awards. We’ve also written about The Label Printers on my company blog.

    Lori, like Rhonda, is a firm believer in metrics, quality control and investing in equipment. But ultimately, there is a commitment to the people who work at her company.  The company has remained strong, even during lean times, but it has never sacrificed workers for profit.

    For example, during the recession of 2008, the company agreed to come together, reduce the work schedule to four days a week, and ride out the storm together. That’s why it’s no coincidence that in 2017, The Label Printers is celebrating its 50th year in business.

    Money Can’t Buy You Happiness
    If your workforce is so important to your company, then what’s important to your workforce?

    While Rhonda Baker shared details of their excellent benefits package, perhaps it’s the comments “We’ve got their backs” and “We’re a family,” that carried more weight among the workforce. According to the article “What Matters More to Your Workforce than Money” (January 2017, Harvard Business Review), it turns out “people” are just as important to the employees as they are to management.

    Andrew Chamberlain of Glassdoor Economic Research writes, “One of the most striking results we’ve found is that, across all income levels, the top predictor of workplace satisfaction is not pay: It is the culture and values of the organization, followed closely by the quality of senior leadership and the career opportunities at the company.”

    Compensation and benefits were consistently rated the least important factors. Employees care more about the people they work with, and therefore, they want leaders and co-workers they can trust and feel good about.

    Who Needs People if You Have Artificial Intelligence?
    Okay, okay – you’re getting the point. People are the critical component. But for how long?

    You’ve probably heard quite a bit about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the economy. Harold Stark authored a post on Forbes.com titled, “As Robots Rise, How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact Jobs.” He writes, “Statistics say that 47% of all employment opportunities will be occupied by machines within the next two decades.”

    So, will technology replace people? Perhaps not. As economist Daniel Lacalle notes, if technology led to the demise of jobs, there would be no work today for anyone:  “The technological revolution we have seen in the past 30 years has been unparalleled and exponential, and there are more jobs, better salaries.”

    But some people are being replaced. That much is for certain. Stark writes that research infers that “humans are the most productive at professions that require them to regularly interact with other humans, while machines supersede them at such things as following patterns and executing routine work.”

    Yes, we’ve been witnessing that for years with the automation of assembly lines. But at the end of the day, Stark is optimistic that AI will never replace people, because ultimately, we are a self-serving lot. We will control the narrative (I hope), and any technology that threatens us will be bound for the scrap heap like nuclear weapons.

    How to Make Your People Happy
    If people are here for good, and they are the lifeblood of your organization, then how do you keep them happy? We mentioned a few things earlier in the post that Lori and Rhonda have done; I’ll paraphrase a few of those and add some suggestions of my own.

    1. Reward them with benefits and pride
    I know the surveys say money doesn’t mean much to people, but benefits sure do, especially in today’s uncertain healthcare environment. If you really want to differentiate yourself, offer a more robust benefits program. Tough, I know, with healthcare costs fluctuating. But it’s a great way to set your company apart.

    This also creates a sense of employee pride in their company. They trust you and know that their company will always do the right thing.

    2. Let them eat first
    In the military, at mealtime, a good officer waits to eat until those under his command have finished. A simple gesture, but a good example of how you should lead. If employees see you sacrifice for them, no matter how small the gesture, they’ll remember it.

    3. Handle the problems and allow them to innovate
    One of my favorite stories of a manager defining his role to his employee was this line: “I’m here to take care of your problems so you can work productively.” That’s your role. Solve the problems that are hindering your staff.

    Conversely, you want to give your team the freedom to share ideas and innovate. Allow your talent to thrive and invest in their training and growth for the future.

    4. Don’t be a marshmallow
    There are obviously going to be some bad apples in the bunch. Sometimes you’ll just make a bad hire. If you have a staff member that is causing problems for you and the rest of the team, deal with the issue.

    Don’t be a marshmallow, hiding from it and hoping it will go away. If the bad apple is upsetting the applecart, get them out. The rest of the team will love you for it.

    5. Be firm but fair
    Be firm with what you need, but also fair and empathize with your team. See things from their point of view. 

    6. No drama, no politics
    You’re the boss, but you’re also the parent, in many ways. Don’t put your team in position to fail. That means not tolerating any inter-office squabbles or politics. If there is a problem, deal with it quickly, using the firm but fair guideline. 

    In addition, put emphasis on team unity. Create events where the company can come together and bond outside the work environment. Go to sporting events together, do a fun run, take dance lessons – anything to build cohesion and friendships.

    Beyond the presses...There are the people
    Again, this is a business column, and I don’t mean to get all existential on you. But this issue is about more than just business. It’s something beyond the big printing presses. It’s a force that binds the people in your shop together, more than profits and prestige.

    I work with a lot of business owners who retire from a business or sell it. Once they do, they are lost. They feel like they have no purpose, no goals, no drive. They had so much emotionally invested in their business, but now it’s gone. They’re crushed because “they’ve sold their baby.” 

    I don’t think it’s because they’ve sold their baby. I think it’s because they’ve lost their people.

    My lesson, as the holidays approach, is to think about your most valuable asset in a different way in 2018. Think about your people the way  Lori Campbell and Rhonda Baker do. Cherish your people, not just your presses, and I guarantee 2018 will be great for you in so many ways.


    Rock LaManna, President and CEO of LaManna Alliance, helps printing owners and CEOs use their company financials to prioritize and choose the proper strategic path. Rock can be reached by email at rock@rocklamanna.com.
    Related Searches
    • presses
    • line
    • management
    • printers
    Suggested For You
    PPG releases 2020 Sustainability Report PPG releases 2020 Sustainability Report
    Domino promotes Jessie Van Apeldoorn Domino promotes Jessie Van Apeldoorn
    Collaboration helps propel Creative Labels of Vermont Collaboration helps propel Creative Labels of Vermont
    TLMI delivers optimism about future of label industry TLMI delivers optimism about future of label industry
    Mark Andy organizes international webinar for students Mark Andy organizes international webinar for students
    Contingency Planning Contingency Planning
    Narrow Web Profile:  Executive Label Narrow Web Profile: Executive Label
    Label, packaging errors hurt customer service Label, packaging errors hurt customer service
    What the dark side of the horse racing industry has taught us What the dark side of the horse racing industry has taught us
    When packaging goes viral When packaging goes viral
    Wishcycling Wishcycling
    Pulp friction Pulp friction
    Meech supports local charities at seven locations Meech supports local charities at seven locations
    H.B. Fuller launches compostable adhesives for flexible packaging H.B. Fuller launches compostable adhesives for flexible packaging
    StickerGiant tabs Beth A. Smith as CEO StickerGiant tabs Beth A. Smith as CEO

    Related The Bottom Line

    • Let go of the future – the future is now

      ...
      Rock LaManna 11.12.20

    • Three failed sellers who couldn’t let go – and a successful one who did

      Three failed sellers who couldn’t let go – and a successful one who did

      ...
      Rock LaManna 10.09.20

    • Do you have a Busia in your business?

      Do you have a Busia in your business?

      ...
      09.02.20


    • Pick up your keys

      Pick up your keys

      ...
      Rock LaManna 07.10.20

    • Ready for the burn?

      Ready for the burn?

      ...
      Rock LaManna 06.04.20

    • Seven ways to let go when you lose your job

      ...
      Rock LaManna 04.03.20


    • Letting go when the timeline is short

      Letting go when the timeline is short

      Family businesses have complex personal dynamics that affect how big decisions are made, especially when the timeline is short and the stakes are high.
      Rock LaManna 03.05.20

    • What does it mean to let go?

      ...
      Rock LaManna 01.31.20

    • Integrity Action Plan

      12 steps to raise your integrity IQ
      Rock LaManna 11.15.19


    • Make your ethical framework simple and memorable

      ...
      Rock LaManna 10.11.19

    • All the little lies

      ...
      Rock LaManna 09.06.19

    • Your brand promise can last a lifetime

      ...
      Rock LaManna 07.10.19


    • When bad behavior infects your company, integrity is the cure

      When bad behavior infects your company, integrity is the cure

      ...
      Rock LaManna 05.31.19

    • Your character counts with banks and lenders

      ...
      Rock LaManna 04.05.19

    • One bad contract can spoil your happy ending

      One bad contract can spoil your happy ending

      ...
      Rock LaManna 03.14.19


    Trending
    • Collaboration Helps Propel Creative Labels Of Vermont
    • Dscoop Plans For Edge Fusion
    • TLMI Delivers Optimism About Future Of Label Industry
    • VideoBite: Sun Chemical Drives Label And Packaging Innovation
    • Digital Embellishment Makes Labels Shine
    Breaking News
    • Global Graphics unveils new SmartDFE
    • Channeled Resources installs new slitter in Toronto facility
    • Kao Collins launches new website for printing inks and services
    • Xitron announces addition of Bill Brunone
    • Esko and Asahi unveil CrystalCleanConnect flexo platemaker
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2021

    • Label Insights: Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements
    • Die Technology
    • Ink Innovation
    • E-Commerce Labels
    • Contingency Planning
    • Narrow Web Profile: Executive Label
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Martin Bauer Announces Installation of Agile Filling System at Bethlehem, PA Facility
    PepsiCo and Ingredion Begin Pilot Partnership with Soil and Water Outcomes Fund
    Innova Market Insights: Sports Nutrition Must Focus on Flavors for Mainstream Consumers
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Axalta Coating Systems Announces $625 Million Increase to Share Repurchase Program Authorization
    Keim-additec Hires Tyler John as Technical Sales Manager
    Nouryon Appoints Julie Aslaksen to Board of Directors
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Medtronic Receives FDA Approval for Pipeline Flex Embolization Device with Shield Technology
    Johnson & Johnson Vision Unveils Acuvue Abiliti
    J&J’s Veritas Vision System Receives FDA Clearance and CE Mark
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Waters and Genovis Enter Biopharmaceutical Partnership
    Frontage Acquires Ocean Ridge Biosciences
    AGC Biologics Expands Partnership with Rocket Pharmaceuticals
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    How Do Americans Feel About Diversity in Beauty Advertising?
    Estée Lauder Companies Reaffirms Sustainability Goals for Earth Month
    Coty’s Lancaster Earns C2C Certified Material Health Certificate
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    FDA Cites Disinfection Issues at Proposed Vaccine Production Site
    It's Official! L'Oréal Gets New CEO on May 1
    New Beauty Brand sk*p Wants to Break Addiction to Plastic
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Kumon North America Adds Speedmaster XL 106 from Heidelberg
    SE-DA Invests in Kornit Presto S
    Acrylic Resins Market Worth $21.9 Billion by 2025: MarketsandMarkets
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Global Graphics unveils new SmartDFE
    Channeled Resources installs new slitter in Toronto facility
    Kao Collins launches new website for printing inks and services
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Savaré Strengthens Technical Support for the Americas
    FiberVisions, Avgol Partner with Polymateria
    High-Tech Conversions Launches Wipes Dispenser
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Patients Conclude Clinical Visits in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Study
    SeaSpine Begins Limited Rollout of WaveForm TO 3D-Printed Interbodies
    Spinal Elements' Lucent 3D Additive Manufactured Interbodies Earn FDA Nod
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    SEMI Appoints imec, Soitec Executives to Europe Advisory Board
    TechBlick Announces Agenda For Next Printed, Hybrid, Structural, 3D Electronics Virtual Event
    NREL Takes Novel Approach to 3D-Printed Water Power Prototypes

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login