There’s never a quiet moment in the accounting profession. If you’re not in busy season, there are other projects, deadlines, or issues that need your attention. As the profession evolves to an ongoing advisory model 12 months a year, gone are the days of working hard between January and May, August and October and enjoying downtime in the off months.
How are you supposed to focus on the essential things you must do today and focus on the future? Does your ongoing to-do list stress you out to where you have difficulty focusing on the things you must do today?
For those of you who have ever flown, you’ve undoubtedly heard the flight attendant say, “In case of a cabin pressure emergency, put on your own mask first before assisting others.” This is sage advice. If you can’t manage your own list effectively, how can your team follow your lead to help you grow your firm?
It’s not intuitive to help ourselves before we help those around us. We work in a profession that’s focused on serving others. We’re told we should be generous with our time when it comes to others, and we’re the last ones we need to take care of (the cobbler’s kids have no shoes). But you can’t lead from an empty cup. You have to have enough mental reserves to tackle the tough decisions, to lead your firm, and mentor others strategically.
In my meetings and interactions with leaders at firms of all sizes throughout the country, it always amazes me how many of them don’t have a methodology to conquer their to-do lists. I’ll let you in on a little secret: There’s no perfect way of accomplishing it, but there are a few tricks that can help, even during busy season when the lists seem relentless. As you read this, you’ll hear many common sayings you’ve probably heard before, but there’s a reason why – because they’re true!
Manage Your Mindset and Expectations
As a managing partner or leader in your firm, you didn’t get to where you are by not being productive. You know burnout is a major issue for the profession – and probably your team – right now. But don’t ignore the burnout among leadership, even though the room for error at the top is smaller compared to that of your team. That doesn’t mean you won’t still have your moments. And that’s OK.
You have six things you must do today. If you get more done, that’s great, but don’t be afraid to reframe expectations. Focus on that April 15 deadline, then work from there. Remember, not every day will be a home run from a productivity perspective, so cut yourself some slack.
Focus on the End Goal (and Set Smaller Tasks to Get There)
Waking up every morning and feeling the weight of your to-do list motivates some people. But there’s nothing more disheartening than knowing that no matter how hard you try, there will always be something left undone by tonight because it just doesn’t seem possible to finish everything on your list.
Leveraging tactical work down is an issue for many firms given the hiring and retention challenges plaguing our profession. The reality is you can’t resolve an overarching task, such as “remove partners from preparing 1040s” in one day, one week, or even one month. Stop adding it as an item on your weekly agenda, and identify the smaller, more singular tasks that can be achieved more quickly to reach the greater goal more efficiently. Who doesn’t get inspired by the sight of tasks marked off? It’ll make you feel like your goals are within reach.
Think about whether you need to write that report today. If it won’t delay your progress to reach your end goal, push it to tomorrow or later in the week. If you keep your eye on the prize, planned procrastination with a focus on the priorities for today or this can be your friend, but don’t let it get out of hand and have a way to hold yourself liable.
Gain the ‘Accountability Advantage’
Remember, responsibility is the obligation to perform a task or duty (ownership of task), while accountability is being responsible for the completion of the task or duty regardless of who was assigned (making sure a task is done). Both must work in tandem to achieve your objectives.
Accomplishing your goals is not always easy. Sometimes we need someone to keep us on track and remind us of the importance of meeting these daily, weekly, or longer-term targets, especially when life gets hectic or our own priorities shift in ways that makes going into work mode feel impossible at times.
A good accountability partner will help motivate through words (maybe even tough love) and celebrate victories you manage along the way. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Your firm won’t be, either, but that doesn’t mean you won’t grow! How can I help you check off that list to reach your fullest potential?
