Among the many compelling sessions offered as part of The Forum for Women in Accounting and The Forum on Recruiting and Retention, consultant Gary Boomer gave a list of what makes a great partner. We thought you may want to know his insights.
In a session called, "What's Happening Outside Your Firm & What it Means to You" members of The Advisory Board offered their insights of just what's happening in the profession today. Boomer, chief executive of Boomer Consulting in Manhattan, Kansas, rattled off a list of characteristics of great partners that we thought should be taped to every firm's fridge.
- They have to have vision and buy into the vision of the firm
- They have to be a big thinker; in order to provide opportunities for others in a firm, you have to think big.
- They have to have passion. If you don't have passion, it's going to be difficult.
- They have to know how to build a team.
- They have to be a life long learner and want to grow.
- They have to have edge. Do you know any partners who can't make a decision?
- They have to have focus - a focus on the "big rocks" in the plan.
- They can't be afraid to risk.
- They have to have energy.
- They have to be able to focus on clients and think about what clients want, not necessarily what they think the clients need.
- They have to be able to delegate and make some personal sacrifice.
- They have to be able to give trust and gain trust of fellow partners. The more trust they have in the firm, the less amount of time it takes to get anything done.
- Failure can't be a word in their vocabulary, yet great partners know they will make mistakes and own up to those mistakes when something happens.
- They know when something good happens, they will give credit where credit is due.
- They avoid procrastination.
- They value sales and marketing.
- They accept and share accountability.
