Monday, March 14th, 2011
CPA FIRM TEAM MEMBERS, ARE YOU ASKING FOR FEEDBACK?
Sure it is a very busy time inside CPA firms right now. However, never lose sight of the fact that to move ahead in your career, you MUST have feedback.
You are already a leader in your firm, because leadership is action, not position. What do I mean by that? If you are setting a good example, if you have a positive attitude, if you remain focused on your personal goals, if you surround yourself with the positive people in your firm and steer clear of the whiners, you are a leader.
Some of the most effective leaders in CPA firms are the Directors of First Impressions (receptionists). They smile most of the time, greet clients and staff enthusiastically and genuinely and perform their role to the best of their ability.
Okay, you can be positive and friendly most of the time, but what other trait is a must as you build your career as a CPA? In order to continually improve and become a super star, you must receive accurate feedback. Feedback is the art of collecting insight from others and applying it to your personal behavior.
Most CPA firms have a process already established to provide feedback – downward, upward and peer-to-peer. However, even though the firm has the systems, timely, accurate feedback seems to be a struggle and almost a lost art inside many firms. If you would like a sample of an After-the Engagement feedback form, you can download one from my Dropbox.
If feedback is lacking in your firm, it is up to you to do something about it.
If you want feedback – ask for it. More experienced CPAs usually offer newer accountants lots of feedback in the beginning. However, as time goes on, if you don’t welcome feedback, those around you will stop giving it.
Feedback that is timely helps the most. If you wait to ask or if it is given too long after-the-fact it is almost meaningless. It is also so much easier to give and receive honest feedback if it is done immediately, on the spot.
Seek feedback from those closest to you. The best advice comes from those closest to you on a daily basis. Be sure to ask the manager or partner on your current engagements, ask your peers who have worked on client engagements with you and ask the administrative people in your firm who interact with you daily.
Don’t get defensive. Sometimes the feedback you receive might not be completely accurate. Contemplate the positive, the negative and the off-target feedback with grace and style.
Keep the communication and feedback alive and healthy inside your firm by asking and giving timely feedback. Experienced, long-time CPAs need it as much as beginning accountants. Administrative team members need it, managing partners need it, firm administrators need it, marketing directors need it and it is the responsibility of all these same people to give feedback generously.
- "Feedback is the breakfast of champions."
[...] As you prepare for your management retreat this year, are you having your team grade you on your performance? Is a survey on your performance part of your firms regular feedback system? [...]