With mental health taking on national headlines in everything from the Olympics to heads of state, we’ve all become more aware of how the past 18 months have impacted our personal and professional lives. But the COVID-19 pandemic, with its new relief programs and challenges related to remote work (among other obstacles), is just one issue on an ever-growing list that includes, but is clearly not limited to, the transition from compliance to advisory, the great resignation, a stagnant pipeline of new CPA candidates and qualified team members, and succession planning.
All of this can be overwhelming for even the most experienced accounting professional, but you don’t have to do it alone! Now is a great time to take a step back and assess how you are doing. And there are benefits to doing that alongside another person who can help – as an accountability partner, a strategic thinker, or a sounding board.
Lets face it: as humans, we think we can do everything and solve our own problems. Unfortunately, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Ive lived the life of a CPA firm leader and understand the challenges you face. I also realize there are times where the counsel of someone outside of your firm can help you see things differently. Helping my colleagues in the profession sort through – and solve – these very issues were a large part of why I transitioned from firm life to CPA consulting and coaching.
When I work with a professional (and their firm), I assist them in reaching clarity on their goals in seven key areas of focus: Strategy, culture, performance, succession, business planning, growth, and people.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual, leadership team, and/or firm must create a strategy that accounts for their unique challenges and opportunities. The good news? While your issues may be unique because of the personalities within your firm, the overarching challenges are relatively common among all firms and professionals, no matter the size or experience level.
So what are your options when looking for a coach?
Accountability Partner
Sometimes you need to be reminded and encouraged to meet your goals. (We all know how easy it is to procrastinate). An accountability partner will motivate through the right words or just by helping keep you on track through regular meetings and conversations or longer-term projects. They also will celebrate the victories with you when you reach your goals.
This must-haves may sound easy to achieve, but I have found not all accounting and advisory professionals can successfully create a culture grounded in accountability and hold themselves accountable simultaneously.
Strategic Thinker
Maybe you can benefit from someone who will help you look at things from a different perspective. Connecting with a strategic thinker can introduce you to others who have gone through the same changes or are thinking about or experiencing the same issues.
As an outsider, I pull from my industrywide experience of working with professionals and firms of all shapes and sizes to combine a high-level understanding of accounting profession forces with a zeroed-in focus on your particular situation to devise a roadmap for the future.
We all know firm succession planning is a big issue right now. As my own practice and leadership responsibilities grew, I realized I needed to transition more of my day-to-day to work. But I, too, struggled with letting go during my own succession transition. When I look back at my successful transition of clients and the extraordinary capabilities of the professionals who serve those clients, I feel a great deal of relevance and satisfaction.
Having done this myself and faced the same concerns you probably have, I can help you get past your barriers to embrace the next generations ability to take on the succession challenge.
Sounding Board
Its always great to have someone who can help by giving you a way to “think out loud,” bounce ideas off, or just talk through an issue. Finding a “sounding board” will help provide perspective – maybe even solutions – you cant always get by keeping things in your head. This person will also force you to think with an outside-first perspective, whether from the client or market viewpoint.
This is especially true when I meet a new firm leader who was chosen to lead but didn’t necessarily “look” for the job and may be a little apprehensive about leading. I help them find clarity, assess their skill set (and that of their team), then guide them in building a support team – all while positioning them as a leader!
Where to Find a Coach
So how can you find these types of motivators and coaches? They’re all around you!
- Personal life: Think of family members, respected friends, or former classmates and colleagues, whether in accounting or another profession.
- In the office: Your team members are going through many of these issues with you. Finding a mentor or team member you work with regularly can provide the necessary support to overcome obstacles.
- Outside professionals: They may include professional coaches, or it can just be a team of like-minded professionals who come together to discuss topics via your association, alliance, or local business networking group.
- Medical professionals: If the stress has been hard enough, don’t be afraid to tap into resources, many of which are virtual in todays environment.
Final Thoughts
Take away the stress of feeling like the burden is all on you alone. Working with someone in any of the above capacities can help you push past obstacles easier while sparking creativity and building more robust solutions.
What’s your unique challenge, and how can I help you get you past it? Id enjoy the opportunity to talk with you more to explore how you could benefit from having a subjective, third-party accountability partner, strategic thinker or sounding board to help you see things from a different perspective to continue your leadership growth. Remember, two heads often are better than one!
