Meet John, a hard-working new partner at a mid-sized accounting firm on the west coast. We join John as he sits down for his first annual review as a partner. His managing partner, Gus, makes the feedback clear, “John, the bottom line is you have to delegate more so you can spend that time on business development and hit your new targets. We’re all counting on you.”
Boost Productivity by Creating a Strengths-based Culture at Your Accounting Firm
When it Comes to Performance Reviews, Ditch the Labels
Let’s say it’s performance review time and you nonchalantly slip in that one of your team members, let’s call her Madison, “needs to be more professional.”
In your mind, you know exactly what this means. It’s helpful and straight-forward feedback. Twenty years from now when Madison is managing partner and she is receiving a prestigious accounting award, she will thank you from the stage for this moment. Pat on the back for you!
Setting the Agenda for a Partner Retreat
• Bulleted Lists in Presentation Captivate Audience
In a recent PowerPoint presentation to manufacturing industry controllers and CFOs, CPA Janet Trelite wowed the audience with a slide deck featuring 64 information-packed slides. The hour-long talk on the new leasing standards was fourth in a lineup of technical experts on tax, revenue, and of course, blockchain.
Boundaries: How and Why They Are Good for CPAs
I’ve come recognize a common trait among accountants: we’re a group of people who love saying yes. But as you’re working tirelessly to meet the needs of everyone you encounter, how are your own needs being met? If you're feeling further down the lousiness scale than you’d like, it might be time to establish some boundaries.
Delegation is like a Multi-Vitamin
You know a daily multi-vitamin is good for you. They’re a relatively low-cost, long-term investment in your future well-being. But yet, they are so easy to avoid. Taking them is just one more thing to do. And since you know you can survive today without them, you push them aside. The same applies to delegating at your firm.