Stop thinking that return on investment is what drives the financial performance of your business, and start thinking that return on humanity is the ultimate starting point, the foundation of the success of your accounting firm. This is the subject of Philippa White's book, Return on Humanity. In this podcast discussion, Philippa dives into the practical, tangible skills necessary to build a more human firm, and she’s profoundly shifted my thinking around a number of things. First, the importance of building flexibility into your working model – the way you as an individual work, as well as the way your firm works – plus the need for and power of vulnerability. Also, simply being curious, perhaps coming from a place of doubt, can establish a greater degree of connectedness between you and your team and you and your clients. Please scroll down the podcast’s episode page for the contact information for Philippa and for the additional, downloadable resources mentioned in the podcast. |
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During the podcast, Paul and Robert discuss the value of KPIs for both the team and the clients. Robert talks about the typical KPIs for a hospitality business and their importance to management and to the wider team. He feels that when the team have KPIs they are more invested and better connected to the KPIs of their manager, as well as to the business as a whole.
From his team’s point of view, Robert thinks that quarterly goals are too broad, so they have introduced monthly meetings with each team member to ensure that their current KPIs and goals are still correct and achievable.
Rob's main KPI is team happiness – if they are happy, the clients are happy.
Most accountancy firm owners and managing partners measure what they think is right rather than measure what matters most.
We know accountants love to track and measure – let’s make sure you track and measure the right things in your firm. Click here to read this Business Breakthrough report – Healthy Heartfelt KPIs – and discover how to use them as key PREDICTIVE indicators.
Towards the end of the podcast, Robert and Paul discuss leading and managing change and how there is just never enough time to get eveything done. Rob talks about the discipline he attaches to his running and admits that he does not always get the work/life balance right.
He mentions a book called Atomic Habits, by James Clear, that outlines how small changes can make a big difference. Here is a link to the book.