Leading Through Service: The Accountant’s Path to Leadership and Growth

Leadership starts with service. I see it time and time again. Leaders tie their role to their title, but a true leader is not just a titleholder.

A true leader serves.

 You may have seen Simon Sinek on Ted Talk or even in one of his many books, such as Leaders Eat Last, which discusses this concept extensively. He says, "A leader without a title is better than a title without the ability to lead." In these few words, Simon demonstrates the concept of leadership through service.

 Any staff member can be a leader when working with a team. You need to have the organization's best interest in mind and ask questions like: 

• How are you?
• How can I help you?

 And notice you're asking your team these questions, and they have nothing to do with you. Great leaders, which is what you're striving to be, put the best interests of their organizations first instead of their interests.

 Your path to leadership starts with the steps many in our firm have taken to transition into leaders well before they had the title.

Focus on Visibility and Proactive Relationships

Hard workers deserve praise, but sometimes, only you know the level of commitment that you're putting in every day. Someone needs to know that you work hard, but it's up to you to be there strategically to ensure you never remain invisible.

 I see it all the time. An accountant goes above and beyond the call of duty, but they miss a famous phrase from Arnold Schwarzenegger that perfectly fits the occasion: "Work like hell and advertise."

 You can do this without gloating or sounding too full of yourself.

 How? 

• Build relationships across levels and get to know those who decide on promotions.
• Introduce yourself to the firm's decision-makers. Stop them in the hall. Share what you're working on.

Proactive relationships like these help you become known and not just be another cog in the wheel. When someone mentions how hard you're working to them, they'll already know through these small conversations that they pay big dividends in the long term.

 Leadership involves doing what others are unwilling to do for the organization's good, which involves much hard work.

Choose Your Circle Wisely

Please tell me who you hang out with, and I'll tell you who you'll become.

 We are who we spend most of our time with, so I want you to take the time to reflect each week and ask yourself: 

• Who am I learning from?
• Who is holding me back? 

You may find that you've outgrown some relationships, and that's okay. It's all a part of the growth process.

 But make it a point to find your tribe – like-minded people aiming for growth, impact, and leadership. Surround yourself with people who will inspire and challenge you to become the best version of yourself.

 I firmly believe that I am where I am today because of the people I surrounded myself with. They showed me what was possible and how to build the life I wanted.

 Choosing your circle wisely can make all the difference in helping you rise to a leadership role. Your circle will shape your future and push you to invest in yourself, which is the next step you need to take.

Invest in Yourself and Your Future

Leadership equals service. But to serve others, you need to have knowledge and skills. That's why it's so important to invest in yourself.

 Stay curious. Broaden your knowledge and keep learning, whether it's through courses, books, networking events, podcasts, or conferences.

 Start by mastering your industry. If you're in audit, learn about tax, and vice versa. Then, expand beyond the world of accounting. Be well-rounded.

 Personally, being well-rounded has helped me build client rapport. Learning US history has allowed me to converse with clients about more than just their taxes. We can discuss US history and presidents, allowing me to connect more deeply and build trust.

 The broader your knowledge, the more valuable you become and the easier it will be to connect with others.

Embrace Risk Over Regret

Leadership requires the courage to take a chance, speak up, and step out.

 It's natural to be apprehensive about taking a career leap. But fear of the unknown and failure can leave you with regret in the future if you don't take a chance.

If you're unsure whether to take this step, I want you to ask yourself an important question: Are you choosing comfort over growth?

 We can only develop and grow when we step outside our comfort zones. In this sense, the most significant risk isn't leaving – it's staying.

 Throughout my career, I've taken many leaps that some would deem risky, but I never would have made it to where I am now if I hadn't taken those chances.

 Every decision has an opportunity cost, including the decision to stay where you're at.

 At the end of the day, would you rather face the risk of failure or face guaranteed regret for not taking a chance to go after your goals?

Develop Your Replacement

If you want to move into a leadership role, you must create space to make that transition. To do that, you need to develop the next generation. Start training your replacement now.

 The faster you can delegate, the faster you can rise into your new role.

 Plus, training and mentorship will benefit both you and the firm. Ultimately, firms value leaders who grow others and understand that scaling impact is not hoarding skills.

The Takeaway

Titles come and go, but leaders are forged through hard work, commitment, and putting organizations above their own interests. Anyone can be a leader.

Each of the steps above are what turns anyone - staff members, managers, seniors, etc. - into leaders that others want to follow.

 You just need to take the first step.