PaperMoney 4 Feb 2025--Flying wth one foot on the ground

This column by Jim Thompson criticizes executives in the paper industry for their lack of focus on the bigger picture, instead of only focusing on the minutiae of paper production. He argues that mill managers, while expert in production details, often lack a broader understanding of business operations, reverting to familiar tasks during crises. Thompson emphasizes the importance of a lean, ethical, and efficient work culture to achieve sustained success, ultimately prioritizing revenue generation. He suggests that executives should either train their mill managers to understand this broader perspective or replace them. The overall tone is critical yet pragmatic, offering advice for improvement.