We are in the midst of an uncomfortable and pervasive transition. It is so pervasive, we take it for granted. Technology is moving faster than most humans can keep up with; there is no pause to consider the ramifications as huge profits are the primary motivating factor in pushing technology as fast as possible.

As a print business leader, you cannot hide from this fact. Your customers are demanding that you solve challenges that require technology as well as provide access via software so they can interact with you in a self-service manner online. The profitability of your business requires that you continuously evaluate the workflows that drive your business for efficiency. For all business leaders, this is a steep learning curve that isn’t leveling off in their lifetimes.

It is easy to assume that what you need to thrive in the digital age is a more technically competent leadership. Of course this would help. But there is another underlying skill that is critical to leadership success in the digital age: compassion and empathy for the humans that work for you as they grapple with the technology changes. All organizations have a culture; in my experience, the culture of an organization is closely related to the personality and leadership style of the humans in the ownership/management role. If your management team is not technical and not empathetic to the people who work for them about the uncertainty that technology is introducing into their lives, it is a recipe for a culture of fear.