It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit. – AnonymousTeamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. – Andrew CarnegieA group becomes a team when each member is sure enough of himself and his contribution to praise the skills of the others. – Norman Shidle Michael, if you can’t pass, you can’t play. – Coach Dean Smith to Michael Jordan his freshman year at UNC
More and more employers are looking for candidates that have solid soft skills. Today’s professional environment often requires employees to work together on a team, engaging in a collaborative effort that contributes to greater productivity and success. Regardless of your current position or job requirements, honing up on your teamwork skills will increase your appeal and make your employment a more pleasant and rewarding experience. Here are seven things you can do that will accomplish that:
1. Practice active listening
We offer this first tip for a reason. Many struggle with teamwork because they falsely believe their ideas are the best which often makes listening to others difficult. However, in order for a team to be effective, a team player listens to what other team members have to share, measuring their ideas as objectively as possible.
2. Communicate effectively
Successful teams have members that communicate effectively. While this includes listening, it also requires you to share your ideas in a clear and succinct manner. You must also respond to emails promptly and ensure that you follow-up on important correspondence.
3. Freely give praise
Another team member’s success doesn’t diminish your contribution. Your ability to recognize and acknowledge a team member’s success is important; it builds team morale and generates good feelings among teammates.
4. Take responsibility
Never point the finger of blame when something goes wrong. On the other hand, you should always take responsibility when you’ve made a mistake. Trying to justify your actions or unfairly shift the responsibility to a team member never makes you look good. Your coworkers will appreciate your willingness to own your actions. It will also enable the team to focus their attention on resolving any resulting problems.
5. Cooperate
Offer your help when you recognize that a team member is struggling or could use assistance. The purpose of a team is to combine your skills and expertise to accomplish a common purpose. This requires a hearty dose of cooperation.
6. Exhibit flexibility
A team must coordinate a large number of schedules, opinions, and ideas. In order for the team to be successful everyone must be flexible to a certain extent. Be open-minded and look for ways you can contribute by altering your schedule or changing your perspective.
7. Openly share ideas
You may have a killer idea that you think would save the day, or maybe the project. Hoarding your ideas will only hurt the team in the end. It won’t make you look any better either.
As an accountant, you have access to important financial information that can greatly contribute to a business’s success. However, in order for that information to be put to good use, you must practice teamwork skills. Applying the above tips will enable you to develop those soft skills that have become crucial in the workplace. It will also contribute to your employer’s success, which in turn makes you a more valuable employee.
If this article has proven helpful, consider signing up for our other free newsletters: Accounting and Bookkeeping Tips and Tax Tips. Every week you’ll receive valuable instruction regarding industry-specific issues as well as techniques that will help you start and grow your own accounting and tax practice.
While the country bemoans the current economic crisis, those with accounting experience need not be alarmed. Inflation may rise, the housing market may flounder, and stocks may continue to fall, but accounting professionals can count on one thing: job security.According to Robert Half International, the largest specialized financial recruitment service, the hiring of accounting professionals is intended to increase in the last quarter of 2008. Max Messmer, chairman and CEO, says, “Businesses need a strong financial function to see them through all economic cycles. This has created ongoing demand for accounting and finance staff with specialized abilities and expertise. In particular, firms seek staff and senior accountants, financial analysts, and internal auditors.”The article goes on to state that most hiring will occur in the small business sector-those organizations with just 20 to 49 employees. Thus, candidates with expertise in small-business accounting would fare best in the current job market.
Expertise in Small Business Accounting
Most universities and training programs prepare graduates for work in Fortune 500 companies. This means that the majority of accountants are unfamiliar with the day-to-day accounting tasks required by small businesses. This is an unfortunate situation considering that 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years, and much of that failure is attributed to poor financial management. These businesses need an expert, a specialist trained to cater to their unique needs.Over 25 years ago, Alf Bostrom recognized the lack of training available for accountants working with the small business sector; as a result, he established Universal Accounting Center. UAC’s flagship course, the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program, is designed to prepare accounting professionals for the unique demands of small businesses. Not only is this course taught by seasoned professionals, but it is based upon years of experience preparing bookkeeping professionals for this valuable niche market.The course consists of the following four modules:
Module 1-Accounting Made Easy. You will master the tools, procedures, and underlying principles that make up the bookkeeping processes of all businesses. You will also understand the core building blocks of accounting and bookkeeping.
Module 2-Practical Small Business Applications. You will apply your understanding of the core accounting principles to specific industries. You will learn to set up books from scratch, do payroll like a seasoned pro, and much more.
Module 3-Advancing your “Account-Ability.” You will learn sure ways to set up complete bookkeeping systems and manage the books for a variety of more sophisticated industries.
Module 4-Building a Successful Accounting Service. You will learn the steps to finding paying clients. Upon completion of this module you will be able to start and grow an accounting practice following a proven program tested and perfected since 1979.
Whether you’re interested in earning a promotion at work or if you would like to start your own bookkeeping service, this course will see that you accomplish your career goals. And if you pass the final PB exam with a score of 90% or greater, you’ll earn the Professional Bookkeeper designation. Earning professional certification will enable you to best take advantage of these hiring increases. It will give you both the expertise and confidence necessary to secure your next accounting position.This is an amazing window of opportunity. Don’t allow it to close on you! Take advantage of current market trends and enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program today!References“More Accounting Jobs Expected in Q4.” 4 Sept. 2008 SmartPros
Asking for a Promotion, Raise, or Additional PerksIn preparation for this article on career negotiations, last week we discussed the different perks you can request if a salary increase isn’t currently realistic. This week we will help you prepare for that important meeting where you actually talk with your boss about that promotion, raise, or additional perks.If you’ve reached the point in your career where you want to negotiate for better compensation, we’re guessing that in evaluating your contribution to your employer you’ve determined that you have indeed earned what you hope to request. The last thing you should do is wake up one morning and decide to ask for a promotion simply because you’re in the mood for one. You must first demonstrate that you have earned it. Then, and only then, can you follow these seven steps:
1. Consider your employer’s needs
Your appeal for a promotion will go over better if you have considered your employer’s needs and how your contribution enables them to better accomplish their objectives. The more integral you are to their mission, the more valuable you are as an employee, and the more likely you are to receive a promotion. In communicating how much you’ve contributed to the company and how much more you’d like to contribute, your boss will be much more receptive to your requests.
2. Express yourself
Before that important sit-down meeting with your boss you want your employer to realize how valuable you are. Take on additional assignments, express your enthusiasm for your position, and take the time to notify your boss when you have achieved anything notable. This will enable management to recognize your contributions and how much you benefit the collaborative work environment.
3. Pick a good time.
Don’t go to your boss during the busiest time of the year. Wait for a time when your boss is relaxed and ready to respond to you positively; this applies to the time of year and even the time of day. It’s also a good idea to ride a wave of success into your boss’s office; it may be best to schedule “the talk” after you’ve made some significant contributions that are a good measure of your success.
4. Know what you want
Before you begin negotiations, share your achievements with your boss, measuring your success with tangible numbers. When you do begin making requests, be sure you know what you want, and be specific. How much of a raise are you expecting (be realistic)? Or were you more interested in being promoted to a different position with more responsibility? Perhaps, after last week’s article, you’ve decided to request different perks that would enable you to better enjoy your job. Whatever you’re interested in, be sure to ask for it specifically.
5. Have a backup plan
This article is called “Creative Career Negotiations” for a reason. When you talk with your boss about enhancing your employment, the discussion is likely to include give and take. You probably won’t be handed your request on a silver platter. In the case that you need to back off your request, be sure you come ready with a Plan B. Try not to walk away empty-handed. Is there something else you could request in the interim? Perhaps permission to attend a high-profile conference or receive additional training may be more reasonable requests at this time.
6. Be graceful, whatever the response.
Remember that you shouldn’t end the discussion if your boss doesn’t offer you the promotion. It is the perfect time to ask for feedback. What more would you need to do to earn the promotion? Is there a possibility of enhancing your compensation in the future? Walking out of the office and slamming the door won’t do you or your boss any good.
7. Know when to leave
There are definitely times when you should stay in a job regardless of whether or not your employer is able and/or willing to enhance the compensation you receive for it. But there may also come a time when you must evaluate your standing and determine how long you’re willing to work for your current pay and benefits. There is such a thing as a dead-end job, and if you feel that describes your current position, there may come a time for you to leave and look for something better.
Enhance Your Promote-abilityYou can increase your chances for receiving a promotion by enhancing your skills and earning professional certification. The Professional Bookkeeper Program will teach you small-business accounting and train you to act as your employer’s Profit Expert, enabling you to help the company make informed business decisions that will increase profitability. Does that sound like a skill that will increase your promote-ability?When you enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program you learn the following:
- The key components of the accounting process including General Ledgers, Specialty Journals, and Subsidiary Ledgers.
- The various accounts used by specialty industries such as Flooring Payable, Contracts in Transit, and Bank Reserve Accounts.
- The assessment of a company’s financial position.
- The uses and methods of calculating depreciation and allowance for bad debts.
- Various collection techniques for slow-paying accounts that will improve success.
- How to master debits and credits through recording hundreds of daily and monthly transactions.
Once you pass the Professional Bookkeeper exam with a score of 90 percent of above, you will also be able to add the PB designation to your name and resume. Don’t wait to enhance your chances of promotion. Enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program today and begin enhancing your promote-ability.
No Salary Increases? Ask for Perks
With talk of a recession, negotiating a higher salary might be difficult. But you don’t have to give up your hopes of earning a promotion just because the market seems to be slowing down. One way to approach negotiations is by seeking job perks. Depending on the perks you secure, they might be worth more than a raise would be. Here are 5 things you might consider requesting:
Health benefits. If you already have health benefits, this is non-negotiable. But if you’ve been working without, this would be a good “perk” to ask for, especially if you’ve proven yourself valuable to an employer.
Increased vacation days. Paid time-off is a great perk. While this does cost an employer, it’s considerably less than a substantial raise would be. Consider asking for 10 to 14 additional vacation days per work year.
Flexible work schedule. This costs your employer nothing. However, it can be difficult to ask for greater flexibility in your work schedule simply because your employer doesn’t want to allow every employee the same luxury. But don’t let that stop you. Depending on your personal situation and work history, you may have proven yourself trustworthy enough to earn an unconventional work schedule.
Permission to telecommute. Like a more flexible work schedule, this one may be avoided by some employers. But for the past few years, many companies have come to realize that affording employees greater work flexibility makes for a more productive work environment-even if for some employees that environment is at home. Before you approach an employee for this perk, have your ducks in a row. Is your home a suitable work environment? Do you have all the necessary equipment to function from home (internet connection, fax, and computer with all the necessary software)? If you approach your employer requesting costly equipment for your telecommuting work space, you may find yourself at an instant disadvantage.
Training. This perk is a win-win. You receive the training necessary to boost your resume and your employability while your employer gains a more skilled employee. Universal Accounting Center has a number of training programs you might consider. All would increase your value to an employer; all would be a valuable personal investment as well.
Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper ProgramThe Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program is one of those courses that will increase your employability. This course will teach you everything you need to know about accounting, and more specifically, small-business accounting because most organizations have less than 500 employees. Most accounting professionals have been trained in corporate accounting which doesn’t address the unique needs of these small businesses.N
ot only that, but in taking this course you could also receive professional certification, evidencing to current and prospective employees your newly acquired expertise and skills. And if you approach your employer, you may find that they are more than willing to pay your tuition. To learn more, watch our video “Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program.” Order the video today or watch it online for free. This may be just the convincing your employer needs to enroll you in this valuable course.Come back next week when we’ll share tips on negotiating for a promotion, a raise, or additional perks.
7 Tips in Juggling Professional and Personal Responsibilities
Whether you are a full-time working mom, a part-time single dad, or anything in between, it’s likely that you’ve encountered difficulties balancing work and family. Being pulled in so many important, yet different directions can be stressful, and unless handled properly, can limit your ability to work effectively in either realm. Here are 7 tips that will help you divide and conquer:
1. Review your values.
Everyone needs to reassess their values now and again. As life changes and different situations unfold, values may shift, evolve or change altogether. It’s important that you determine what your values are because they should drive your actions. Once you articulate your values you can ask yourself whether or not your priorities, goals, and schedule reflect these values.
2. Set your priorities.
This is much easier to do once you have reviewed your values. You should prioritize your life based on those values that matter most to you. If you value family, then you should make family time a priority. If you value debt-free living, then you should focus on earning enough money to pay off your debt. And because most individuals have multiple values, you’ll probably have to determine which of these values get top billing.
3. Schedule well.
Now that you’ve prioritized those things of most importance in your life, you can fill your schedule accordingly. When will you work? When will you spend time with your family? And as you schedule, use the same calendar for both family and work activities. Otherwise, you may miss something important because you were looking at the wrong calendar.
4. Have a one-track mind.
Once you begin a family or work-oriented project, focus on the task at hand. If you are spending time at work but preoccupied with thoughts of your children at home, you will not be as productive, and as a result, you will probably have to steal time away from your family to fulfill all your work responsibilities.
5. Work together.
Finding that perfect work and family balance is not your responsibility alone. Depending on the age of your children, you can enlist them in the effort by requiring them to perform certain chores that will enable you to better manage your time. And if you have a spouse, divide up the workload so you’re not so overwhelmed. Once you divvy out responsibilities, learn to let others perform their assignments. You’re doing yourself no favors by micromanaging your home life.
6. Embrace chaos.
The truth is, regardless of how organized and well-scheduled you may be, balancing work and family will result in some chaos. While you may do the best you can to stay on top of things, the house will still get messy, the car will still need maintenance, and your children will still get sick. In order to handle these little obstacles you need to to roll with the punches and come to expect the unexpected.
7. Let go.
You can only do so much. At some point you need to relax and let some things go. While this may feel uncomfortable, sometimes it’s the only way to maintain your sanity.
Financing a Small BusinessSome people find that they best balance work and family life when they’re running their own businesses. Only then can they enjoy the flexibility of self-employment. Not only could you work from your home, but starting your own accounting practice will enable you to make more money, set your own schedule, and call the shots. If this idea is appealing, you may consider applying for a small-business loan to get started.A small-business loan can finance your start-up, enabling you to go full-time and concentrate your efforts on promoting your practice and growing your clientele. Universal Accounting Center has designed a manual to help you create a loan package that is complete and effective. Financing a Small Business is packed with clear-cut instructions and terrific resource materials that will make creating a loan application package easy. It even includes a sample loan package that you can use as a model. This manual is not only reasonably-priced, but it is a must-read for people like you interested in financing options. Don’t hesitate. Your family will thank you. Order now!
8 Tips on Wowing Prospective Employers
Whether you’ve been raising a family, earning a degree, or laid off from a previous job, planning a career comeback can be daunting. You may worry that your time away has hindered your chances for finding solid employment. It doesn’t have to! As you prepare to get your career on track, consider these 8 tips on wowing prospective employers.
1. Determine what you want
Don’t plow forward until you have decided the direction you want your career to go. When you haphazardly push your career forward, you wind up with a haphazard career. While the responsibility of earning a living may loom large, it doesn’t have to prevent you from getting on a desirable career path. Sit back and determine where you’d most like to be in your career before you start the job hunt.
2. Take a self-assessment
Once you decide the direction you would like your career to take, assess your current skill level to determine whether or not you are qualified to apply for the jobs you want. If you are trying to rebound following job loss, ask yourself what role you played in your termination and how you might change in order to get and keep the job of your dreams.
3. Develop new skills
Some people are concerned that this step will take too much time from their efforts in finding a new job. While you may have to find a transitional job to pay the bills while you receive necessary training, you don’t have to spend years earning professional certification. In some cases, one or two college classes will be enough to revamp your skills, while in other cases a reputable bookkeeping program may be what you need.
4. Revamp your resume
Once you know where you are going and are confident that you possess the skills necessary, it’s time to revamp your resume. Highlight your strengths while considering the employers who will review it. What are they most interested in, and have you made it easy for them to find it on your resume?
5. Build your network
The best way to find work opportunities is through networking. If you’ve been out of the loop for awhile, chances are you will need to rebuild your network. Consider family, friends, businesses you frequent, and other contacts who could expose you to potential jobs. Spread the word, and you’ll soon discover just how valuable a professional network can be.
6. Develop a positive explanation
Employers are going to wonder why you have been off the market for awhile. Practice an explanation that positively explains the career interruption. Avoid sounding derogatory or apologetic.
7. Consider temp work
Temp work puts you in a prime position with some companies; you become familiar with their policies, procedures, and work environment which can give you the advantage when a full-time position becomes available. This also provides you with the opportunity to determine whether or not this is even a company you would like to work for long-term. Sometimes it exposes you to your dream employer, providing you with just the focus you need in your job search.
8. Be flexible
Sometimes we become too narrow-minded when looking for a job. Is it absolutely necessary for you to find full-time employment? Would your career benefit more from a part-time position? Or, perhaps, you could consider freelance work for awhile? Approaching your career with an open mind may enable you to discover possibilities you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
As you prepare for your career comeback focus on your skills and strengths in order to build your confidence. The more you prepare for the job hunt, the better equipped you will be to secure the job of your choice.Universal Accounting Center (UAC) tries to help professionals like you by offering quality training programs and other resources designed to help you network with others and learn more about the accounting and tax industry. To see our free resources, visit UAC today.
Advance Your Career This Season
The holidays are still two months away. That’s plenty of time to change the course of your future. Are you interested?
Perhaps you dream of earning a promotion or securing a more desirable position with another employer. Maybe you’d just like to make extra money on the side. Or perhaps you’d like to eventually start your own accounting practice. Whichever most interests you, we have the course that will help you accomplish your ambitions, and it’s called the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program.
One Course, Several Possibilities
The PB Program is designed to train students in small-business accounting. While others spend years in various training programs, this distance-learning course enables you to earn professional certification in 60 hours or less. Not only that, but those other training programs prepare students to work with big businesses which comprise less than 20% of accounting opportunities. It is the small business that needs your attention and will provide you with a roster full of clients. That or your new-found skills will enable you to earn a promotion or secure that job managing a small business’s books.
Whether you’ve spent years in the accounting industry or have yet to learn the difference between a debit and a credit, the Professional Bookkeeper Program will help catapult your professional life in a new and prosperous direction. Here are just a few things this program enables you to do:
- Master accounting for retail and wholesale businesses
- Determine and establish the accounting method that best fits any given business
- Set up an efficient system for a “ma & pa” manufacturing company
- Track job costs simply and efficiently for a construction company
- Effectively handle flooring for an inventory-financed business
- Confidently consult with business owners on key business issues
- Enter data quickly and accurately
- Prepare payroll like a seasoned pro
- Avoid costly IRS penalties
- Spot and avoid dangerous trends before they become tragedies
- Save a company thousands of dollars in auditing costs
- Start your own bookkeeping and accounting business, using a step-by-step approach
- Acquire clients quickly and cost-effectively
Imagine enhancing your resume with all the above-listed skills. Or perhaps, consider how they might it look in a brochure for your new accounting practice. We’re confident that you recognize the value in acquiring this valuable expertise.
With over 25 year experience training professionals in small-business accounting, Universal Accounting Center understands your needs and your prospective clients and/or employer’s needs. That’s what makes this training program so valuable. And in addition to learning small-business accounting, you will also learn how to market your new-found skills, securing the clients necessary to sustain your new business venture!
Additional Services and Skills
The more complementary services you can master, the better, for your professional future or the longevity of your new business venture. More than 80% of small business use QuickBooks software to manage their books. Mastering QuickBooks will make you a QuickBooks authority, enabling you to offer QuickBooks seminars and attract more potential clients by demonstrating how they can use this product effectively. The Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide (PBG) to QuickBooks is designed to help you accomplish that.
Not only will the PBG enable you to manage your own books more efficiently, but it can increase your bottom line as you add QuickBooks consultation, help and setup services to your menu. With hands-on training you can earn a second professional designation as a QuickBooks Specialist that will give you the creditability you need to either advance your career or convince prospective clients that you are an outstanding bookkeeper!
After successfully completing this program you will be able to do the following:
- Enter, set up, and analyze books
- Choose or create a chart of accounts designed specifically for your business
- Write checks, collect payments, and make deposits
- Track progress invoicing, bank draws and retainage to control your cash flow
- Maintain, calculate and report payroll, including W2′s, 941′s and 940′s. Also create and track 1099′s for subcontractors
- Track, collect, and pay city, county and state taxes
- Track how much you or your clients are making or losing on each customer and/or job by assigning and tracking costs on specific jobs
- Create budgets for jobs, customers, departments, or for your whole company and/or your clients’ companies
- Create graphs that give you and your clients a whole new perspective on a company’s finances
- Produce statements and use data to help clients make informed business decisions
With two simple courses you could be well on your way to a more lucrative career and/or a profitable accounting practice. And in less time than your peers might spend in a training program you could be enjoying the profitability of your newfound skills and expertise.
Don’t wait to change the course of your future. Fall forward into a bright and lucrative future as an accounting professional. Enroll in the PB and PBG programs today!
Negotiating an Equitable Solution
Chances are you will encounter more conflict in the workplace than you would like. But working through conflict can be a positive experience if handled properly. In this two-part series we’re sharing 12 steps on negotiating an equitable solution. Last week we examined the following six steps:
- Don’t ignore the conflict.
- Gather all parties for a discussion.
- Determine exactly what the conflict is.
- Recognize that the conflict should not pit employees against one another; it should pit employees against the problem.
- Identify shared concerns.
- Distinguish facts from opinions.
This week we’ll cover the final six:
7. Step away, if necessary.
Regardless of how well negotiations seem to be going, there may come a time when participants need a break. Those involved in conflict resolution should be allowed the chance to step away from discussions when they become too heated or even lose their focus.
8. Listen actively.
This is probably one of the most important steps in conflict resolution. Everyone has their opinions, but in order for conflict resolution to be successful, coworkers must stop arguing and taking side; everyone needs to listen actively. This requires participants to set their differences aside and listen to what others say with intent. Rather than using the time to plan their next argument, they should focus on what others are saying, weighing these perspectives carefully.
9. Be willing to compromise.
There’s a reason this step follows the last. You cannot compromise unless you have listened to all sides and considered countless options. To reach this point you must be willing to release your desire to achieve your outcome and your outcome alone.
10. Brainstorm solutions.
There may be solutions that no one has considered. In order to achieve a resolution that all parties feel comfortable with, everyone involved must brainstorms possible solutions. You may be surprised at the satisfactory resolutions you encounter when coworkers work together to create them.
11. Identify equitable solutions.
From the solutions you’ve brainstormed, determine which are equitable and meet the needs of all parties.
12. Consider the one the best suits everyone’s needs.
Select the one that best resolves this conflict for all involved. Before reaching this step you may need to return to others, like listening actively, stepping away, or distinguishing fact from fiction.
The better prepared you are to deal with conflict, the more likely you’ll be to facilitate a satisfactory resolution. Also, the more experience you have with conflict resolution, the more comfortable you will become achieving equitable solutions.
Create Your Ideal Work Environment
Often when working for another employer, it can be difficult to struggle against a system that you have no influence over. When you start your own accounting practice, you are able to determine policy, hire your own employees, and have final say in what does and doesn’t happen in the workplace. This is one of the most appealing aspects of self-employment.
The Professional Bookkeeper Program
Not only will this course train you in small business accounting, but it will enable you to use the accounting information you generate to act as a Profit Expert for your clients. You will become confident watching key indicators that diagnose a business’s health. You will understand how accounting, marketing, and production should all work together in order to create a thriving business. And you will become well versed in key marketing strategies designed to attract the clients who would most benefit from your valuable services. And you can find all this in one accounting course, you ask? YES! The Professional Bookkeeper Program has it all.
The Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide
The Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide to QuickBooks is another valuable program. When you learn how to use QuickBooks to better manage your clients’ accounts, you are learning how to work more efficiently, making more money in less time. Not only that, but more than 80% of small business owners already use QuickBooks! That’s the majority of your prospective client base!
When you master QuickBooks, you are gaining expertise in the software program used by your clients; doing so will prepare you to do much more than just help clients with their books, but you also make yourself available as a QuickBooks consultant, offering help and setup services. This will increase your potential bottom line and make you even more valuable to clients.
If you find yourself frustrated with a system over which you have no influence and would like to take charge of your own business and manage your own affairs, order this valuable package today! In just a number of months you could be on your way to a more independent and lucrative lifestyle. Enroll now!
12 Steps in Negotiating an Equitable Solution
Conflict isn’t always a bad thing. It’s a red flag that alerts you to a situation that needs to be addressed in order for employees and supervisors to enjoy a healthier work environment. In fact, when you approach conflict with the intention to negotiate an equitable solution, you can achieve greater understanding and perhaps find a resolution that greatly improves things altogether.But in order to find that equitable solution you need to know how to resolve conflict. In this
series we will present key steps that will help you do that. And this particular article will examine the first 6 of 12 steps in practicing conflict resolution in the workplace:
1. Don’t ignore the conflict.
There are some problems that should be allowed to sort themselves out. But when a conflict begins affecting multiple parties and the work climate, a manager may need to step in and apply the following steps in workplace conflict resolution. Otherwise, when involved in a conflict with another employee, you may consider taking the following steps yourself.
2. Gather all parties for a discussion.
It helps to have everyone present to voice their perspective. When you isolate parties and have them present their views, you add an extra, unnecessary step into the process that does little more than allow employees to vent in attempts to bias your opinion of the conflict.
3. Recognize that the conflict should not pit employees against one another; it should pit employees against the problem.
The biggest problem in workplace conflict is that people begin to see themselves in conflict with coworkers rather than problems. When employees realize that they can join forces to resolve their common problems, it becomes easier for them to talk through their conflicts. In order for conflict resolution to be successful they must stop seeing their coworkers as opponents.
4. Determine exactly what the conflict is.
What, exactly, is the problem? Often employees are stewing over different issues without even realizing it. When you’re able to pinpoint all the issues and articulate why they’re problematic, you have a starting point from which to find equitable solutions.
5. Identify shared concerns.
Your discussion will have a friendlier tone when you attempt to find shared ground-what do you agree on? While parties may not see eye-to-eye on some issues, they should be able to find common concerns. If all else fails, you should attempt to agree on the importance of resolving the conflict. Most conflicted parties should at least be able to agree on that.
6. Distinguish facts from opinions.
Once employees have shared their opinions it’s time to note the facts. It’s important to realize that fact and opinion are often two separate things. In fact, this step alone might clarify the problem for both parties and enable them to gain necessary perspective as they realize that perhaps the problem wasn’t what they had initially imagined.
Almost everyone encounters conflict in the workplace at least once in their careers. And if you plan to manage others, your chances of encountering conflict are even more likely. It’s important that you learn how to resolve conflict not only between you and other employees, but also among coworkers you might eventually supervise.Return next week when we will discuss the following:
7. Step away, if necessary.
8. Listen actively.
9. Be willing to compromise.
10. Brainstorm solutions.
11. Identify equitable solutions.
12. Consider the one the best suits everyone’s needs.
Have You Ever Considered Starting Your Own Practice?
Resolving conflicts among coworkers can be frustrating when you don’t agree with company policy and approach. If you’ve ever considered starting your own practice, with your own policies and business practices, now’s the time to learn more about just how easy it can be. Universal Accounting Center has been helping professionals start their own bookkeeping services for over 25 years! If you’d like to learn more about our course, the Professional Bookkeeper Program, order our video “Start Today” and watch actual course content while learning just how profitable your practice can be. Order the DVD today or watch it online for free! What have you got to lose but a long future as someone else’s employee? Change your future today!
How Successful Managers Ensure Successful Communication with Employees
The problem with communication…is the illusion that it has been accomplished. – George Bernard Shaw.Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. – Robert GreenleafWe have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. – Epictetus
Communication is extremely important for those accountants who want to excel and advance their careers. It’s so important, in fact, that we’ve dedicated a two-part series to developing effective communication skills. Last week we discussed the following four tips in accomplishing that:
- Determine your message
- Select the most appropriate communication method
- Ask for feedback
- Listen with intent
To become a manager you must have excellent soft skills. Communication is absolutely necessary if you are to manage well. Perhaps as an accountant you thought developing those skills would never be a priority. They’re not, if you are content being managed by someone else.
This week we will cover the final four tips in developing effective communication skills as an accounting manager:
5. Speak up!
In order to instill confidence in those you are speaking with, you must speak with confidence. This requires you to speak up and speak clearly. This might take practice and a little introspection as you determine how you can project a more confident image when speaking with others.
6. Tackle difficult topics
Often we avoid those topics that need the most attention. It may be difficult to talk with an employee about objectionable behavior or address a team about their questionable approach. But in order to manage successfully you are required to tackle the difficult topics, to speak about that which most would want to avoid. It may sound ugly, but that’s why you’re the manager. That’s why you get paid the big bucks.
7. Practice presentation skills
Managers give presentations. They deliver proposals, reports, and even announcements in staff meeting. If you plan on becoming a manager you must practice your presentation skills. Perhaps this will require you take a class or practice in front of the mirror. Regardless of the method you choose you must become comfortable, or at least appear comfortable, presenting messages before groups of people.
8. Allow everyone the opportunity to voice opinions
Good managers make an effort to become familiar with their coworkers’ opinions. Not necessarily their political views or their food preferences, but what they think about the climate at work and how the company is handling projects and work flow. The manager who doesn’t listen to his/her coworkers is missing out on valuable information.
An Accountant’s Role
There are three business functions that must work well together in order to increase a company’s profitability. And you guessed it; accounting is one of these three functions. Accounting, marketing, and production are the three functions that must work well together to ensure success. If you would like to learn how to improve communication among these different functions while increasing your employer’s profitability you must read In the Black by Allen Bostrom, President and CEO of Universal Accounting Center.
This book will enable you to become a more valuable employee and, if you’re not already, a prime candidate for a managerial position. For less than twenty dollars you could advance your career while strengthening your employability. Order your copy of In the Black now!
