This Didn’t Turn Out the Way I Intended, Which Is Probably a Good Thing

Written By: Dr. Rich Houston, Director of the Culverhouse School of Accountancy

I contend that I have lived long enough to have earned the right to be cranky about a select few things, such as communications etiquette. It is heartening when someone says thank you in response to an email that arguably (but not indisputably) is worthy of one even though it should be a regular occurrence. It’s likely that, for similar messages in various forms of social media, the rule book no one sent me asserts that either thank you is not required or that it is “tacitly understood.” Regardless, I advise regularly replying with thank you as you will stand out and generate positive feelings every time you do.

It's weeks like these, when nothing’s due and the test is not quite on the horizon, that can define your semester. Keeping current or perhaps even getting ahead can lay a foundation for a smooth and drama-free path to the exam. Many people think that what you do when no one's looking defines you. Consider carefully what you want this semester to say about you and manage your time accordingly.

I had a great conversation with such a positive young man this afternoon. He asked what I would tell someone like him, who’s in the early stages of being an accounting major. I told him he should strike up a relationship with all of his teachers. That same advice holds regardless of where you are on your accounting journey. Did you know that Accounting Journey was a black & white sitcom that aired for three episodes in June of 1965? It was replaced by Make Room for Debit, which ran until it was time to close the books on shows about accountants.

Be careful about what you choose to cut out when you conclude that you’re too busy. The first thing you should do is think carefully about whether your level of busyness warrants dusting off the chopping block.

There are a variety of reasons that you shouldn’t use “I don't get paid to do this” as an excuse for not doing something. For example, very often the greatest rewards for your deeds are not financial. In addition, when something is “not your job,” but you know that if no one does it, some form of damage will result, doing it is not just the right thing to do—you also remove the risk of experiencing the guilt associated with seeing that your failure to act caused things to go awry. There were 55 words in that last sentence. Wow. Anyway, imagine a world (which sounds kind of like the beginning of a movie trailer) in which people only did what they were paid to do. Yuck.

Thinking “I don't have time for this” and choosing inaction may require you to spend an excessive amount of time later to make things right.

Sometimes only one of my hearing aids picks up background sounds from the TV. Kind of like listening in stereo. But not really.

If it’s time to get the ball rolling, you’d better have a decent idea of where it needs to come to a stop before you give it a push.

I will only wear a bowtie if it looks exactly like this:

Determining whether or not you’re giving up can be tough. Sometimes, you need to be honest with yourself and realize that that’s in fact what you’re doing. However, be careful that you don’t classify as giving up what actually is wisely changing your mind or choosing a more fruitful direction.

Dean Wareham said that you have to love yourself or you'll never be able to accept compliments from anyone. Do it backwards—believe the compliments and reap the benefits.

I had a great talk with someone who said that she disagreed with her career competency test result that classified her as adaptable. She disputes it because she craves order and routine. I observed that the two are not mutually exclusive as it is entirely possible to both appreciate predictability and be able to gracefully and effectively handle the surprises that come your way.

A conversation with someone this week caused me to think that, if your default setting is sincere joy, never underestimate the positive impact that you have on other people.

Another clothing thought. When you stand up and your pants leg has worked its way up your calf, do you lean over and put it in its place, or do you let it find its own way back as you walk away?