When you're fortunate enough to spend an hour or so in a deep discussion with two members of the leadership team of a 600-person firm, a team that have profoundly and consistently improved their firm's performance over the years, it's definitely something worth taking seriously. And that's the case with this podcast discussion with Richard Spofforth and Jenn Williamson from Kreston Reeves. As you would expect, we unpacked deep and powerful insights in and around technology, but also deep insights around customer and client care and how you make that come alive so that you deliver higher value to your clients. But perhaps more importantly, we also discussed the seriousness with which Kreston Reeves considers what matters to their team. One example is the quarterly review with each team member. Irrespective of the size and age of your firm, there's something to be valued in this discussion with Jenn and Richard. Please scroll down the podcast’s episode page for the contact information for Jenn and Richard 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.