How Staff Members Can Control Their Career Results

Source: CPA Practice Management Forum

This article is for staff and management, though it is targeted to staff members.

·          You are in control of your destiny. Your career is not dependent on someone else’s decisions, just yours.

·          Mistakes should be learning experiences.

·          Don’t be deluded into thinking you can solve your problems by moving somewhere else. Your career won’t change by moving unless you change the way you perform. You might be better off doing that where you are.

·          Be goal-oriented. If you set goals and plans to achieve them, you will be continually aware of what you must do. It’s a powerful process.

·          Ask your boss about the firm’s future and how you can contribute. Find out how you are doing in his or her eyes.

·          Become an expert in one or two areas. It will help you bring in business and improve your client service ability.

·          Learn as much as possible about the leadership and management principles followed by the firm. This includes strategy, organization, operations, marketing, and staff development. You will become a better advisor for the effort.

·          Find a mentor, either inside or outside the firm.

From CPA Practice Management Forum, CCH Incorporated, 800-449-8114, March 2005, p. 13.