As a business owner I feel it is my challenge to provide value in the work that we do, for the team and for the clients we serve. That value can be financial such as a paycheck or return on value for the price the clients pay us. However, my aim is to provide the “priceless” elements such as warm fuzzies, peace of mind, personal growth, confidence, belonging and making a difference. This is the hard part. It is nothing that I learned while I was an employee. If anything, my personal experiences have shown me what not to do.
First it is my job to operate a business model that can provide for decent salaries, so we can provide service to our clients. There is plenty of advice on how to do that. However, I also want to create a sense of purpose and accomplishment that makes our staff feel good. I want our staff to be engaged, to bring their best to the table. I want our clients to “love us.” To trust us as a valued partner. As you can tell this is a twofold challenge – staff and clients!
For our staff – every touch counts! This includes our hiring process, performance reviews, our ability to live our values and daily feedback in the office. I have found our daily huddle offers an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments and sharing what we have accomplished.
For the small business owners we serve – again every touch counts! I want to provide a great return on value, along with the peace of mind, being part of their team and improve their lives. Technology, staffing and our process have a definite impact on providing value in the work that we do. However one element that has helped meet these challenges – is our values.
The values we strive to live by:
- Be curious about who we serve. What do they want to accomplish? Take time to learn more, listen, ask questions. There are people and activities behind the numbers.
- Put our heart into it. We work with people, along with tax laws, rules, and numbers. Be kind. Be respectful. Don’t talk down. Not everyone is passionate about balancing a checkbook, solving an accounting problem or finding a way to lower a tax liability.
- Do it right the first time. Take time to understand what we are trying to accomplish. We strive for excellence in taxes and technical advice. Take the time to do it right the first time, avoids taking time later to fix it.
- Own your attitude. We are each responsible for our mindset. We want a fun, positive and encouraging attitude. One that is worth catching. We are presented with challenges every day that help us to develop new skills, learn from experiences, and enhance our capabilities. We focus of the strengths and provide support for the weaknesses. Attitude counts.
- Empower others. Share your knowledge with others, so they can make better decisions. Care about those we work with and serve. Be their advocate, help them succeed.
These values are designed to create strong relationships and maximize the value of our work. For me they increase the satisfaction of the work that we do and make work fun.
Mary Guldan-Lindstrom, CPA
