by Jeff Johanns
In my most recent professional life, I teach college students about accounting and auditing—and, as it turns out, I end up doing a lot of counseling with them about their futures, particularly once they discover my background as a Big 4 partner. My students are high achievers, and they want to hear real answers from someone who has been through it all. I am asked: “What is my chosen career path really like? How can I be successful in this career? Does work-life balance really exist?”
Because I’m asked these questions so often, I decided to share the fundamental elements of advice I give in response. Some are grounded in the public accounting profession, but I think these principles apply to any profession. So, here they are, in no premeditated order.
1. Turn on the lights in the morning, and turn them off at night.
This one invariably gets a confused look from my students. I explain: It means outwork everybody else. Yes, hard work will still get you ahead. I worked with many men and women in my career who were smarter than me and certainly knew more accounting rules, but none outworked me. Companies and accounting firms don’t like to say it during the recruiting process, but the reality is that you can achieve a work-life balance … it just won’t be fully balanced. That’s OK. Be there for the important things at home, but recognize that sometimes the work just has to get done and that it takes priority. If you are not willing to do it, someone else will.
2. Always be honest.
I know; it’s not a unique insight. But we need more honesty than exists today. The public accounting profession is built on trust. Don’t make stuff up, and don’t ever say you did something you didn’t really do. Sometimes owning up to a mistake causes short-term pain, but it is always less than the long-term pain of being caught in a lie that could destroy your career.
3. Figure out what your ethics are and stick to them—always.
The CPA profession is ideal for this one. It has a code of professional conduct for guidance (the fundamental principles of which apply to every profession—or at least should). The code covers integrity, objectivity and due care, among other concepts. Even though a CPA is hired by a client, his or her duty is to others. Never forget that. At some point, you will be tempted to take the easy path and give in to a client demand you know isn’t right. Don’t do it. Take your beating, and do what’s right. In the long run, it will pay off. I once got a higher annual evaluation after a client fired me because I wouldn’t let them apply deceptive accounting to a key transaction. Fortunately, I had the support of my firm to take the tough but right stand. The key thing is, with full hindsight, are you proud of your decisions and actions?
4. Have career goals, but don’t micromanage the path.
It’s great to have long-term career goals, but don’t spend too much of your time thinking about them. First and foremost, focus every day on the “blocking and tackling” aspects of your job. Whatever task you are assigned, excel at it, even if it seems mundane at the time. As you demonstrate your abilities over and over, you will put yourself in a position to achieve your goals. But keep an eye out for opportunities you want, and jump on them when they appear.
5. Respect everybody.
This is a good policy for a number of reasons (other than it’s obviously the right thing to do). Start with the fact that every person you encounter knows something you don’t. Don’t overlook anyone—stop, listen and learn from everyone. Also, you never know whom you are going to work for someday—it might be the new associate you are supervising today. This piece of advice goes along with the important concept of never burning bridges. And, while we’re on the subject of respect, take time to teach the people you supervise. It’s worth the investment.
6. Always give credit to others, and take the blame yourself.
This one is well known but not always followed. If someone on your team makes a mistake, you take the blame publicly and counsel him or her privately. If your team succeeds, give the credit to the people who work for you.
7. Solve your boss’ problem.
If you want to stand out from your peers, solve problems for your boss. Volunteer to tackle the problem that needs to be solved right away. Work the weekend to get things done. (There’s that outwork-everybody-else concept again). Always anticipate potential issues, and make yourself part of the solution. One of the phrases a boss most likes to hear is “I’m on it.”
8. Say something positive.
It’s never a bad thing to say something nice. People really appreciate it, and they remember it. Take the time to thank people and let them know when you think they did a good job. Write a personal note; in today’s world, it will have an impact. As I said, you will never regret saying something positive about or to someone.
9. Don’t ever make a career decision based on money.
Choose or change jobs based on what motivates or inspires you. Management roles of any type are all about problem solving, and you should choose to solve the problems that you can get excited about. The money is a byproduct. Trust that those who make compensation decisions will recognize your effort and reward you. Then stay focused on problem solving.
10. Be the calm in the storm.
Every day of professional life brings stressful issues and tough decisions that have to be made. Don’t get too emotional about it. It’s never as good or bad as it seems. Every problem can be solved. Stay logical, seek advice and find the solution. Leaders don’t panic, complain or blame others. They fix the problem.
11. Choose a positive attitude.
Yes, it is a choice. You can approach each day as a fresh start with a positive attitude, or you can be negative and cynical. Be careful: once you get too far across the “Bad Attitude Bridge” at your job, you can’t come back. Successful leaders are positive people. Others pick up on your good attitude and will want to follow you.
When I look back through my advice list, it seems to basically come down to working hard, choosing challenges you enjoy, behaving in an ethical manner and placing the needs of others above your own interests—and trusting that following this advice will lead to success in your professional life. In any case, they are not bad life philosophies.