Friday, September 16th, 2011
What are you doing? What are you thinking?
Another stressful due date has passed. What’s next for your firm?
Will you simply go into “the next due date” mode and keep up the steady pace of reacting to events or will you take some time to contemplate your future and the future of your firm? A lot of people are depending on you in your role as leader.
Yesterday was a major due date for accounting firms and here are two comments I heard last night: ”Two people turned in their resignations today!” “A client came in at 12:30p with a big check for back payment and asked us to do several returns this afternoon.” The immediate response to these situations at these two firms? React, immediately, and produce.
I hear it over and over again: I’m too busy. I received 150 emails today. I don’t have time to think! I have too many disruptions during my day.
I’m not saying you are unproductive. You respond exceedingly well to your clients’ needs. You produce tax returns and financial statements with exceptional expertise. You take care of your clients.
You and others in your firm are so busy chasing your tails that you convince yourselves that you don’t have time to let your mind wander, contemplate, and think. During those times you are able to connect the dots and develop ideas.
I often say that accounting firm leaders have good intentions but lack implementation. Are you reflecting less and limiting your growth, as a person and as a firm?
Simple steps:
- Take five minutes before you leave for the day to reflect back on what actually happened. Do you need to thank someone for their efforts? Did you forget to communicate something important?
- Identify your best personal think time. Is it during your commute? Could you turn off the TV while you are on the treadmill and just think instead?
- A couple of days a week could you simply take a walk during lunch?
- "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
[...] I thought you might find it interesting to just read some bullet points from both of their presentations. I am hoping some of these brief thoughts will make you think and then take action. [...]