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The Leader-Manager Dilemma
The Dilemma Being an effective firm leader has never been more difficult. Firm leaders must fill two roles simultaneously. They must manage their firm’s operations (doing things right) while moving in a proper direction (doing the right things). Of the two, managing...
The Complete Manager
Manager Today Being a manager today is a difficult task. With all the craziness around remote work, it has only intensified and makes it more difficult to be effective and successful. Here are two observations. First, we use the label loosely. “Manager” as a title is...
Engage Remote Employees
THE Engagement Question How do you increase employee engagement in a virtual environment? This was one of the questions posed to me during my presentation, 3 Simple Ways to Make Your Employee Never Want to Leave at the @AICPA #ENGAGE2022 in Las Vegas last month....
Not Immediacy, But Importance
Deadlines Matter One of the advantages of hard deadlines is that they serve as a barometer to sort our priorities—what is more important than something else. Hard deadlines are the non-negotiable targets that are usually imposed from outside of you and create clarity...
Social Interaction or Work Transaction?
We’re Only Human The need for human connection has been known for thousands of years. While everyone’s belonging needs vary, all of us require social interaction with others. Even the most reclusive individuals have a modicum of interaction need. Prior to the...
Ego And Control
Conflicting Attitudes I love hearing professionals talk about the individuals who were so vital to their development. They speak of them as mentors, coaches and supervisors who took the time to teach and direct their growth. They all report that they benefited...
Get Your Charge Hours Up
Review Time Annual or semi-annual reviews in firms are being conducted across the nation. Many of my client firms have made these reviews a regular part of their feedback system. Unfortunately, sometimes these meetings are conducted by managers and partners who fail...
Become Hybrid Competent
A New Competency I came across a term recently that describes the plight of so many professionals attempting to figure out how to work and live in the same space. It’s called being “hybrid competent.” As I thought about it, my mind went to all the struggles and...
Confucius Was Right
Find What You Love Confucius (and others) is quoted as saying, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” What is it about that statement that has endured and fascinated humans through the millennia? It stokes a hope and aspiration in...
The Dreaded Fee Question
The Hot Topic It seems that whenever I talk with managers and some partners about difficult situations that they encounter, fee discussions with clients rise to the top. There seems to be a real apprehension among providers to discuss their fees. It takes confidence...
