leadership is overrated: it’s good management that makes successful firms
plus: a dozen deep thoughts on leadership vs. management in accounting firms.
by marc rosenberg, cpa
author of “cpa firm management and governance”
while the differentiation of management from governance is really an issue of professional jargon, a discussion of “management vs. leadership” is a more substantive matter. during my 30-plus year career in the business world, i have read many books and articles and heard many speeches on these two subjects that are near and dear to my heart.
more on cpa firm management and leadership: 40 great ways to improve firm profitability • four management metrics that fool even the best-run firms • 19 ways to improve accounting firm profitability • de-bunking the myth about niche marketing for tax and accounting firms • practice development is no longer an optional activity • 10 good ways the achieve partner accountability • pick your partners right to begin with • the first nine questions your partner team needs to embrace for optimal profitability • profitability and the value of strategic thinking • the five essential building blocks for creating a strong accounting firm • the seven signs of great leadership in a cpa firm • compensation issues for the new managing partner
when reading on management and leadership, it seems we are being told that the two traits are almost mutually exclusive, like black and white. yes, it’s true that many inspiring, innovative leaders are lousy managers because they don’t have the focus and discipline required to manage. and some managers make terrible leaders because either they lack the necessary interpersonal skills or over-rely on titles, authority and intimidation to get people to follow. read more →
