[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’re used to the Monty Python view of accountants but, in recent times I’ve noticed an even more negative image being built up and, sadly, it often comes from inside our profession.
I’m bored with being told what accountants can’t do!
My timelines are bombarded by people telling me that accountants can’t compete at compliance; can’t do ‘advisory’; can’t use tech; can’t market; can’t price. On it goes.
I admit, I criticise some in our profession for failing in some of these areas, some of the time, but there seems to be a generalisation now for writing off accountants as a whole. ‘Some’ has become ‘most’ or ‘all’.
The UK has some brilliant accountants. It also has many accountants who can be brilliant on occasions. The majority of accountants make significant contributions that benefit their clients and communities. It’s time to focus on our positives.
We face many challenges as a result of digital disruption, but, these are best faced with positivity and the more collective that is, the more powerful it is.
The biggest challenge we face is to demonstrate our true value as professional advisors. How much harder is that if we are continually being told how rubbish we are, not by clients but by those on our own side?
People respond to positive attitudes and positive messages. Our clients, teams and target markets respond to positivity.
We can and must do better, but, that is easier to do if those on our own side stop telling us what we’re apparently rubbish at and shine a light on the progress being made and the great work being done instead.
In a year of opportunity, we need a positive profession to collectively drive forwards.
So, ignore the haters. Here’s three quick and easy steps you can take to boost your positive side:
- Celebrate your successes: Get your team together and make a list of all your wins, great results, gains and positive outcomes through 2021, big and small.
- Again with your team, list out your strengths, both technical and service, what you’re really good at. Discuss how you can focus on these and promote them more.
- Remove any negativity in your office: Give it a good spring clean. Brighten up any tired or untidy corners. Tidy house, tidy mind is important for mental wellbeing.
Most importantly, commit to making 2022 a positive year for your firm.
Good luck.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”9196″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”9197″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Richard Brewin FCA has been an accountant at the sharp end for over 40 years and, since 2009, has been a successful mentor and coach to accountants running their own firms. Today, as joint Managing Director of ProgressBB, he is at the forefront of developments in this area with their online and F2F mentoring programs for accountants, Progress Foundations. A speaker, author and mentor to accountants who deserve better.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
