Allan Koltin, CEO of PDI Global in Chicago, presented these indicators of firm greatness at the AICPA Practitioners Symposium in Las Vegas:

• Leadership and management are valued highly.
• One-quarter of the partners are rainmakers.
• Partners are in agreement on the firm’s direction.
• Partners contribute to recruiting, mentoring, training, developing work for others, and inaugurating new niches.
• Partners are committed to lifelong learning.
• The firm selects the right clients and eliminates substandard clients.
• Partners delegate. Delegation helps develop staff and frees partners for developing good firm/client relationships.
• Partners risk short-term results for the long term.
• There is an understanding that decision makers are not always right.
• A significant percentage of partners lead, recruit, cultivate future leaders, develop new business, and place the firm ahead of personal goals.
• The firm becomes recognized as a highly desirable place to work.

From Accounting Office Management & Administration Report, September 2006, p. 2. For subscription information contact Institute of Management & Administration, Inc., 3 Park Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10016-5902. One-year subscription $349. 212-244-0360, [email protected]