Trends in Print and Mail

“What one relishes, nourishes.” - Poor Richard's Almanack 

The year 2025 marks the 250^th anniversary of Ben Franklin being appointed Postmaster General by the Second Continental Congress. In 1753, Mr. Franklin had previously been appointed joint Postmaster General by King George III.

Before that, Franklin was a printer and author. Perhaps his most famous work was the yearly Poor Richard’s Almanack, under the pseudonym Richard Saunders. From 1732 to 1758, the pamphlet provided seasonal weather forecasts, puzzles and astronomical information.

What people remember are Franklin’s witty sayings passing along homespun wisdom. Most of us are familiar with: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Or “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

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Operations Management / Strategy / Leadership / The Berkshire Company / learning / success / positive / inspiration / management / growth / strength / employees / Ben Franklin

"Nothing ever becomes real until it is experienced. Even a proverb is no proverb until your life has illustrated it." - John Keats 

Too often, successful executives are classified as being either innovative leaders or efficient managers. The innovative leader is defined as a visionary, a passionate idealist, and an inspirational thinker. On the other hand, the efficient leader is process-oriented, a student of Agile, or Total Quality Management (TQM), or a black belt disciple of Six Sigma. In reality, the successful person blends these seemingly opposite traits into inseparable qualities.

In his acclaimed book,On Becoming a Leader, Warren Bennis states, “The manager does things right; and the leader does the right thing.” He further differentiates the manager and the leader:

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Operations Management / Strategy / Leadership / The Berkshire Company / reading / learning / success / positive / inspiration / management / strength

Bill Fallon, joyfully sorting Santa's mail.

In the late 1990s, I held my last job in the corporate world. I was the Vice President, Document Technology and Delivery, at State Street in Boston. My group included print, mail, centralized receiving, couriers, output control and the parking garage. I was younger then, and thought it was important to manage with a serious outlook. Unfortunately, sometimes I took myself too seriously.

Thank goodness, I had three amazing direct reports – Audrey, Paul and Bob. Thay had all been with the company for decades. In fact, Audrey started before I was born. They were all old enough to be my parents. Paul’s son and I were born on the exact same date.

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Strategy / learning / success / positive / inspiration / growth / optimism

“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” – Eden Phillpotts

I recently went on a whale watch. Conditions were just right, and we saw about a dozen of these amazing mammals. Several came surprisingly close to the boat, as if they knew we were desperate to get a good photo – especially the iconic fluke as they dived for more food.

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positive / inspiration / optimism / strength / nature

"Reading takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere." - Hazel Rochman

 

For most of us, the upcoming holiday weekend marks the beginning of summer vacation season. Hopefully, you’ll find time away from your office – onsite or hybrid – and enjoy some downtime with family and friends. Time for resting, reflecting, and perhaps – reading.

My vacation companions always include a book. Or two. Or three. 

And usually a stop at a bookstore. Or two. Or three. It’s why I prefer to drive rather than fly. No extra luggage needed and no overweight fees. 

Here are a baker’s dozen of books you might consider packing in your bags. 

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The Berkshire Company / books / reading / learning / positive / inspiration / optimism / gift / bookstore

" I am still learning.” – Michelangelo

It wasn’t something I planned, becoming the owner of 3 different canes. There was no intentional collecting – one’s an heirloom, one’s an essential aid, and the other was a gift. My situation brought them together, and each one brought its own little lesson. 

First Cane: The standard wooden cane belonged to my father. It was his last cane, one that he kept nearby – even when he was using a walker or wheelchair. I can’t use it, because it’s not the right height (when I say I looked up to my father, it’s more than a metaphor). Along with some military memorabilia, it’s one of his few possessions that I kept after his death.

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The Berkshire Company / reading / learning / positive / inspiration / kindness / recovery / optimism / strength / gift

In a few weeks, the mailing industry will come together at the National Postal Forum (NPF) in Indianapolis, IN. From Sunday, June 2^nd through Wednesday, June 5^th, attendees will attend classes, meet with vendors, and hear from US Postal Service (USPS) executives. It’s a packed agenda.

The Berkshire Company has partnered with the NPF to create the Mail Center Manager Course on Wednesday, June 5^th. After three days of learning about postal initiatives, industry trends and innovative technology, we’re focusing on your most important resource – you!

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United States Postal Service / National Postal Forum / USPS / NPF / The Berkshire Company / Habitat for Humanity / growth

People today are being asked to take on additional responsibilities, handle new projects, and do more with less. Schedules are tighter than ever. Customers demand quicker response times. More reports must be completed. And more meetings are added to your calendar. Despite working 10-hour days, plus weekends, you still feel overwhelmed. With no end in sight.

If this description hits close to home, then take this advice: schedule some downtime.

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Strategy / Leadership / reading / inspiration / management / growth

There was more than one winner at the National Postal Forum (NPF) in Charlotte a few weeks ago. In fact, it was evident that all 3,500 attendees had a successful conference in the shadow of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Whether in classes, on the trade show floor, or networking at events – there were opportunities for everyone.

The keynote address from Postmaster General (PMG) DeJoy provided an update on the Delivering for America plan. PMG DeJoy stressed his commitment to continual “dramatic change” at the US Postal Service (USPS). Videos featuring key leadership emphasized the progress made so far, with the need for even more work to be done. DeJoy stated the new network will take “the Postal Service from the leader in the last mile, to the leader in the last 150 miles.”

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United States Postal Service / National Postal Forum / Postal Customer Council / USPS / Digital / U.S. Postal Service / Postage Rates / NPF / shipping / mail / Postmaster General / The Berkshire Company / learning / management