Management

I like to call alliance success, "Partnering for Profits." Unfortunately, a frequent alliance success pitfall is attempting to make your partner in your image—one who acts, thinks and follows your methodology. In the short-term, it may appear to ease the rocky road of alliance governance, but what it really does is minimize the value your partner delivers in the union. You initially were attracted to your partners because of their core competencies and the belief that, together, value-added synergies would be created and deliver benefits to both. So, what are you trying to change?

It was Frank Sinatra's kind of town. And the Print Services & Distribution Association (PSDA) agrees with Ol' Blue Eyes.

If only more marriages could last this long. This June marks Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis' 50th anniversary as a member of the Print Services & Distribution Association (PSDA), an international organization aimed at helping the print community succeed since 1946.

Kelli Adkins had always dreamed of being an art teacher, not a professional in the printing industry.

Everyone most clearly sees authentic leadership during the toughest times. This is when much-repeated claims like "our people are our most important assets" are proven true.

Yesterday, Apple unveiled the new iPad2. It was exciting to see the new upgrades that are available on the device (and I can tell you from personal experience the iPad ROCKS, so it is safe to say the new iPad2 REALLY ROCKS). But more than the new bells and whistles, it was really exciting to see Steve Jobs at the helm. Back at least for the day from medical leave, Jobs was seemingly undeterred by his own personal circumstance, donning his infamous black turtleneck and jeans, smiling and proud he is the undeniable and fearless leader of the Apple tribe.

Why are you really at your job? Is it really the money or might there be a deeper purpose?

Mark Henry, director, new business development, of the Bangor, Maine-based Creative Digital Imaging, is pretty new to the printing game.

Greg Gammon, managing partner of Bryan, Texas-based Insite Group, slipped into the printing industry not long after high school. He was helping his father—then sports information director for Texas A&M University­­—who was responsible for putting together media guides and football programs and finding advertisers to offset the costs.

Conflict in the workplace is a painful reality and a key reason for poor productivity and frustration. Are there people in your workplace who cause problems for everyone else? One point is clear—conflict does not magically disappear and only gets worse when ignored.