How Leaders Influence the Firm
Source: Accounting Today
Here are eight things leaders do that have an impact on the firm:
v Create and promote visions of future possibilities for the firm. For example, you might envision, and plan for, a tax department that is structured and equipped to allow department members to work at home.
v Develop the action steps (the plan) to achieve the goals or objectives of the vision.
v Communicate the vision to others in the firm and get their feedback. Enlist them in refining the plan.
v Organize and empower a team to execute the plan.
v Motivate people to achieve goals. Leaders must determine how different people are motivated—money, prospects for promotion, time flexibility, recognition, etc.
v Lead by example, demonstrating the leader’s commitment to the vision.
v Develop solutions to problems inhibiting the achievement of the goals. This is best done in collaboration with others, including those who may not totally buy in to the vision or the plan. They will be more committed to the vision and the plan if they participate.
v Develop a system to measure results compared to the objectives in the plan and a system of accountability. Accountability should not be a micro-management exercise. It should be a process for identifying problems and solutions, and for recognizing performance successes.
From Accounting Today,