Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Source: Solutions for CPA Firm Leaders

The following includes excerpts, reproduced with permission, from an article by Rita Keller.

This spring Accountemps released the results of a survey that documented that lack of communication is the TOP management mistake. I hate to say it (not really), but I told you so!

CFOs were asked, “What one mistake do companies make most in managing their employees?” The response:

• Lack of communication between staff and management – 41 percent
• Lack of recognition and praise – 28 percent
• Lack of training, development and other educational opportunities – 11 percent
• Lack of flexibility in work schedules – 8 percent
• Lack of authority given to employees – 6 percent
• Don't know/No answer – 6 percent

Here's what Accountemps suggests managers say to employees on a regular basis:

• Here's what's happening.
• Do you have what you need?
• Thank you.
• What challenges are you facing?
• How can we improve our company (firm)?

I suggest a couple things to my clients:

Conduct regular team briefings. This is a short informative all-staff meeting twice a month just for communication purposes. The managing partner should lead the meeting (multi-office firms, use video conferencing). The meeting should celebrate new clients; communicate marketing, technology and management news; celebrate employee milestones; and recognize people. Then, before the meeting is closed, ask if there are any questions.

Regularly survey your team members. You can conduct the survey yourself by simply using the 12 questions made famous by Marcus Buckingham in his book First Break All The Rules. Also consider using an outside facilitator so that more confidentiality is provided in hopes of obtaining the most honest feedback. I provide this service; contact me if you want more information.

For the complete article, read, “Accountants Acknowledge The Most Common Management Mistake.”

From Solutions for CPA Firm Leaders, the newsletter of Rita Keller, president of Keller Advisors, LLC, July 11, 2012, http://ritakeller.com.