You are finally a partner. You have worked for the firm for several years and have proven your worth as a senior manager.

All of a sudden things are different. You are no longer focused on pleasing the partners. You are a partner and now you have to focus on a much bigger picture. You now have to focus on helping the firm thrive in the future. You now have a stronger focus on coaching and mentoring others.

It might feel somewhat strange and uncomfortable being a more visible leader. Are you a role model? Are you someone people trust? Are you someone people admire?

Here are some things you can do to enhance your leadership skills.

• Become known for how readily you provide feedback to your subordinates. Never procrastinate when it comes to giving critical feedback. People want to know, almost daily, how they are doing.
• Prove your worth during partner meetings. Always speak up during critical discussions. Share your ideas with your partners. Be an active participant in achieving the firm’s strategic plan.
• Every day, recognize and thank the people you work with.
• Delegate tasks to others. People love being challenged and getting new responsibilities.
• Don’t just say you have an open-door policy, demonstrate that you really do want to hear what people have to say.
• Staff members have questions and want answers from you. Don’t make them wait too long.

The last item, above, is one I hear about the most when I have interactions with the firm’s team members. Sometimes it takes days or even weeks to get an answer back from a partner. Don’t be that partner.

Gary Adamson is the CEO of Adamson Advisory, a CPA practice management consulting firm specializing in succession strategies, strategic planning, M&A, compensation, and partner agreements.

More from Gary Adamson: "You Have a New Managing Partner: Just What Exactly Is the Job?"

See webinars presented by Gary and other CPA Leadership experts: Webinar Catalog