Leadership
What Makes a Leader Inclusive?
At Intend2Lead, we believe that amazing things are possible when we uncover and leverage the unique gifts, talents and skills of each individual. This is not just an aspirational idea. It’s a business imperative. Demographics in the workplace are shifting dramatically. The workforce now includes five different generations (i.e., traditionalists, baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Y/millennials, and…
Read MoreTax Season Debrief Considerations
One of the most effective ways to improve your firm’s tax processes and production is with the post-busy season debrief process. Whether done formally with a meeting or informally in combination with a survey, we suggest it be scheduled as close as possible after the tax deadline while the experience is still fresh in your…
Read MoreMoving from a Performance Culture to a Growth Culture
For years, the accounting profession has been focused on performance. The work we do is complex, and firms have a lot of competition to attract and retain quality clients, deliver engagements efficiently and effectively, remain profitable and grow. The irony is that focusing on performance doesn’t always deliver the desired results. The problem with performance…
Read MoreCoaching Requires Compassion
Compassion isn’t an emotion that comes naturally to me. On the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Personality Assessment, I’m an ISTJ, and it’s those last two letters that get in my way. TJs are rational and logical versus emotional. We prefer to address problems objectively using data – create a pros and cons list, compare the…
Read MoreCoaching cultures are inclusive cultures
We’re excited to hear a lot of talk about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in accounting firms around the world! Yet, the resounding theme we hear is, “This is hard!” Why does DEI feel so hard for accountants? Fostering an inclusive culture can be especially challenging at accounting firms because we usually want to solve the problem…
Read MorePresentations Can Cement Your Leadership Position
When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? If the answer is “never” or “a long time ago” you may want to focus on finding an opportunity to present to an audience, either in person, through a live webinar or another online option. Many people ignore these valuable chances to address…
Read MoreHow can struggle make you a better leader?
Leaders struggle, too. By now, many of us have settled into a “new pandemic normal,” which basically means trying to move forward with our day-to-day responsibilities with zero clarity about what the future holds. Things are not getting easier, are they? Let’s take a step back for a moment and acknowledge the situation we are in.…
Read MoreThe Biggest Barrier to Anytime, Anywhere Work™ – Sludge
But there is a BIG issue lurking that can sabotage your firm’s move to a truly virtual Anytime, Anywhere Work™ firm and it’s called “SLUDGE.” In “real life,” sludge is defined as a muddy substance, dirty oil, sea ice, mire, muck and any number of other unproductive substances that slow or bog things down. We first heard of sludge…
Read MoreAsking for Transparency – What Does That Really Mean?
When facilitating visioning sessions with both current partners and their NextGen leaders, one element consistently emerges as crucial to their becoming a NextGen firm: transparency. Yes, it’s a request of the NextGen leaders, and it is often contrary to Baby Boomers’ and older Gen Xers’ approach of “Just put your head down, don’t ask any questions and…
Read More5 Areas of Focus for Firm Transformation
By now, firms know they need to change. The question now is HOW? As firm leaders read articles, attend conferences and talk to peers, it seems they are looking or hoping for the solution that will magically transform their firm. Unfortunately, there is no magic solution. However, you can take steps to determine the right…
Read More