Inaction

Why do you suppose that firms struggle with the same issues year after year? It’s like there is a “carry forward” rule to firm life. Whatever challenges that don’t get resolved simply move to next year. While it is true that large problems take several years to resolve, too often things carry forward because solutions were never begun. It requires firm leaders to step into courageous leadership.

Same Actions

I’ve been reading various articles and blogs about performance and engagement. In fact, a very good article, published by the Illinois CPA Society, included my partner, Susan Stutzel, who was part of the interview panel for that article. Her insights were remarkably accurate because they are true.

But what really struck me was how many articles echo similar strategies about what firm leaders need to do to engage and retain their talent. No matter what you hear or read, the message is always the same—there are not quick and easy solutions. This is what the research and what successful firms have discovered. We know clearly that simple solutions fall short and meaningful improvements require sustained effort.

Uncertain Actions

Achieving anything worthwhile demands consistent change and reinforcement over time. So why do leaders delay action? Are they indifferent, unsure, or afraid of the effort and cost? These excuses sound hollow in the end. Amid uncertainty and the unknowns of life, firm leaders tend to choose inaction.

But your staff want to be led into the future by confident partners who are willing to step into courageous leadership. Your staff want a high-performance culture where they feel valued and make a difference for their clients. Courageous leaders move in spite of the uncertainties, unknowns and their own discomfort.

Your Actions

As a member of a leadership team, you already know what you should begin or continue to do that will move your staff to be more engaged and want to stay. So, what courageous leadership efforts will you make, whether you are a manager of a project or leading a segment?

You don’t need another article to read. You don’t need more ideas or a better plan. You don’t need more resources. You just need to step into courageous leadership and lead.