Engagement, Training, and Culture in Today's Global Workplace

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Today, I invite you to listen to the Beyond Business Borders podcast with host Laurence Whittam .

Laurence invited me to be a guest on his podcast to discuss leadership, particularly for accounting firms today. We focused on leadership strategies, the right kind of training, the importance of building strong relationships, navigating cultural differences with off-shoring teams, and a culture and environment that supports innovation, embraces change, and empowers employees to excel. And let's face it we live in a global world of business.

Setting expectations is so important. I can't emphasize this more. Look at top-level sports teams. Listen to what the coaches are saying. If you want to have a championship team, you need to expect excellence. Second-best is never good enough for championship teams. The same holds true in business.

You need to be laser clear of your firm's Why. You know. The Simon Sinek notion of knowing your Why. This is the foundation and helps you and your team connect on an emotional level about what is most important. In other words, what is your purpose?

If you can develop a clear purpose, align it with your vision of your firm's future, build consensus on what the future looks like with your leadership team and others, and take action through bold initiatives to create that future, your firm has a leg up on the competition to have a sustainable business that thrives through the twenty-first century.

What about engagement? Equally vital. Your employees want to know where they fit into the overall vision. They want to be challenged to grow. If they do not, then they may not be a fit for your organization.

Engagement is as simple as having a real one-on-one conversation to get to know them more deeply. You are in a relationship business. The quality of the relationships with your employees, vendors, and customers will define your firm's relevance. (Speaking of engagement, have you heard about FIKA? No, it's not a new tax. It's Sweden's Premium Coffee Break. More about that in future editions.)

Build a culture that embraces change, encourages risk-taking, and is focused on people and performance. You need both to operate optimally as a sustainable and thriving business concern.

Try this motto: Fail, Forward, Fast.

Some final thoughts.

• Simplify. As Tom Peters writes, "S-L-O-W D-O-W-N." The important things (like relationships) take time.
• The Navy Seals have it right -

"Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast." - U.S. Navy Seals

• Build strong relationships.
• Your #1 role is Chief Culture Officer.
• Be intentional about the future of your firm and build consensus.
• Set expectations and expect excellence. Accountability is vital.
• Excellence is what you do in the next 5 minutes. In a matter of just 5 minutes, everything can change.
• Execution/implementation: it's the all-important last 95%.
• Remember, you don't have to go it alone and do everything yourself. Surround yourself with good people, delegate, and don't hesitate to ask. Ask for help.

For more, listen to Laurence's podcast here, Beyond Business Borders, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Want to learn more? Book a call with me here. I'd be happy to hop on a quick call to share some more of my best ideas and tips.

Leading in uncertain and complex times is challenging. What separates good leaders from great ones is the 'inner game' or mindset of leadership. CEO Sensei, former BDO managing partner, and martial arts blackbelt John Fenton is one of the few who address this critical aspect of leading well. John's unique methodology brings clarity, pragmatism, and encouragement to managing partners, board executives, and CEOs today. He is an award-winning speaker, a heart attack survivor, and the author of the bestselling book, "5 Minute Mastery?, The Surprising Secrets for Transforming Your Stress to Success and Mastering What’s Important."