March 7, 2005 -- Readers comments on Leadership indicate that Mike Wesner's 2-part column on February 22nd and 24th struck a chord with print providers looking to make their business more than just another print shop. Dear ODJ: I thought Mike Wesner did a great job on the "Where are the Good Leaders" article. As someone that has supported Owners and Presidents for the last ten years of my career, I can truly echo his sentiment. I forwarded a copy along to the other leaders of the company, hopefully we can use this as a conversation starter! Steve Czelada Printech Stamford, CT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear ODJ: I was recently referred to On Demand Journal and read Mike Wesner's 2-part article on Leadership. He confirmed much of my concerns that it is not just about me. I have been in the print and fulfillment industry for over 20 years and I am amazed at the mindset of especially the small and midsized business owner. The contradictions about preaching teamwork--yet never practicing it. Constantly tearing down people and not building up; and creating a positive "we are in this together" attitude--and mean it. Today’s owners have either forgotten or never learned to be a servant, which is where true success and growth is achieved and everyone benefits. Look at Bill Gates, Sam Walton and others. I also was encouraged by the leaders Mike referred to which tells me he gets it. Thanks for stepping out and saying what desperately needed to be said. Steve Vostal Strategic Account Manager Veritas Document Solutions Buffalo Grove, IL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear ODJ: Just read Mike Wesner's "Leaders" column in On Demand Journal. Great stuff! As a general observation, I find it ceaselessly amazing how few real secrets there are in our industry. The difference between the simply good (companies) and the great (and oh, how few there are!), appears to be so small--and is almost never a direct outcome of that new shiny piece of equipment or technology. The reality is that virtually all the info to make a firm great is readily available to anyone really searching for the truth. As with so many things in life, it's a choice isn't it? It's about attitude and belief. And then acting on those beliefs. At the risk of looking too "high level", at the heart of Mike's article is a view of the "human condition". It's about our view and belief in people generally and then very specifically, those who work with and for us. Oh yeah, it's that soft, squishy "philosophical stuff"; that stuff that most executives are very uncomfortable exploring. Don Hamilton Vice President of Sales & Marketing The Strathmore Company Geneva, IL