Change is Good…

Every couple of years I like to change my hair style.  I don’t know why.  I just like the change.  I’m not talking subtle changes, I’m talking going from long to pixie cut and back again.  Now the back again always seems to take forever.  But if you do it with sort of funky style, the change seems to happen over a few months.  Believe me there are days when I curse my hairstylist and my crazy idea for change. 

Change is good, and at times necessary.   IPB has certainly changed a lot this past year.   Not only have we changed the face of IPB, but also our capabilities.  We have overcome many challenges.  New and great challenges….and the greatest part of all – I knew that our team was up for that Challenge!  We’ve all faced the change with own style and have made it our new normal. 

One year ago this coming week, we signed the deal with KBA to bring in a new Printing Press and I knew that would spark a chain reaction – a chain of changes.  We all looked at each other, held on and jumped in.  1 year later, I couldn’t be more proud!

Last week I wrote about winning an award from Ingersoll’s Chamber of Commerce.  I came back to the office with the award and was ready to present it to the team.  I got up in front of everyone and thought I would be able to keep it together.  I wanted to share with them how lovely the evening was, talk to them about what I said when I accepted the award on behalf of the team, I stood before the group of people that help bring my crazy ideas to life.  I was overwhelmed with emotion and started to cry – yes a girl moment!   I walked off the stage shaking my head wondering why is it when I have an emotional moment - I cry.  It wasn’t until the next day when I walked out into the plant to see what was happening that day, that people came up to me and gave me a hug and told me that they were proud to be a part of the IPB team that I understood it.  It’s ok to show your softer side – some emotion, and yes maybe show them your ugly crying face. 

I spend a lot of time with these people, and I consider them my family.  We celebrate together – and cry together (good or bad).  We are in this together for the long haul.

Last night I was invited to go to the Canadian Printing Awards.  An exciting night to celebrate and share what is happening in the printing industry.  Recipients received awards for lifetime achievements, up and coming leaders and innovation.   There were also a number of judged categories.  It was my first time at such an awards presentation.  But certainly re-affirmed the changes we have made and will continue to make in the year (s) to come!

I certainly walked away with a number of new ideas to add to my Vision Board.  I love change!  And a good challenge – don’t you?!?