Why is improving our leadership mindset important? Because we want to build a winning team that gets the work done, and we want to advance our career. Our leadership mindset contributes to how successful we will be. If we are positive, empowering, win-win, and relationship and people focused, then we have a greater chance to develop into a highly capable leader.
Leaders develop a vision and plan for the team to work together for a shared purpose. We set the pace and direction of the team. If we approach our day with a poor attitude, it will be copied by everyone around us. If we lead with fear, our team will be scared. If we lead with encouragement and positive thinking, our team will be more likely to share great ideas and support one another.
Leadership is the embodiment of making the impossible possible. We tackle tough problems with an outlook of strength and determination. We don’t show defeat to our team. With a tough problem, our positive approach and courage fuels our team with strength.
Leadership is about developing a team that can be empowered to take the initiative to do what is best. We must continually be developing the culture to create a winning environment. It may require role shifting and personnel moves. To grow, we often must assess and eliminate negative habits, behaviors and influences.
Leaders should inherently want their team members to win at work and at life. We are humble servants who are passionate about the business and about our team members improving every day. We become overjoyed when we see a team member do something great for the business, and we guarantee they receive the credit.
Leadership Mindset Guide for Finance and Accounting Managers:
- We have real people on our team. Leaders set expectations with their actions and words every day even when they don’t realize it. To grow a successful team, we must practice servant leadership and ensure our team members have what they need to succeed. Our team members have lives outside of the office. Never forget to support their family life. Maximize the time in the office and create a predictable balance.
- Leaders exemplify a positive example by their attitude, strong ethics and values. We show up to work on time, and we practice the same expectations that our team does. We don’t take credit away from a team member who performs brilliantly or develops an important idea. We are genuine in how we approach our work.
- We inspire to achieve a shared purpose and vision. Leaders use a wide array of emotions and techniques to inspire based on the situation. Sometimes it’s to encourage, and sometimes we must be strong to correct a bad situation. Successful leaders know which approach is needed based on the problem they face. Additionally, we must coach our teams to be open to critical review, so they become better at their responsibilities. Getting uncomfortable is usually the only way to improve.
- Leaders unlock potential. The long-term goal is to empower our team members to act on our behalf and on behalf of the company to achieve great results. To do that, we must move away from micromanagement and to also develop our team members, so they are ready. Give them responsibility to grow their abilities and to grow their confidence. Give incredible positive leaning feedback to improve. We don’t criticize to belittle people; we offer critical feedback to grow them.
- Positive based resolution is best. When we need to confront a problem, particularly with a person, it is best to approach it with a problem-solving mindset instead of making it personal. Address the issue with civility and professionalism. Develop a way forward to solve the issue that everyone agrees. If the issue continues, take the appropriate professional next steps.
- Great leaders are also technically competent. You must be proficient in GAAP, GAAS, new FASB decisions, finance industry trends, business information systems, analysis, Microsoft Excel and many others. Your team members will be looking to you when they become stuck on a technical issue. You don’t have to know everything but be able to guide them to a solution.
- We are lifelong learners. We never stop learning and growing. Leadership requires the development of new knowledge and innovation. Personal development creates opportunities for advancement. A professional certification builds credibility and greater income potential.
- We help drive the business. Leaders understand the long-term strategy, the key metrics, and what senior leaders need to make critical decisions. We invest time to understand the industry and any trends along with new technology. We are open to ideas that support the strategy and long-term growth. We seek knowledge and develop analysis to win.
- We influence positive change. We create opportunities for change to occur benefiting the team and the business. We must continue to develop win-win relationships throughout the organization. When we are positive in the workplace, people are happy to come to work to contribute, and we more able to convince others of our ideas.
- Successful Finance and Accounting Leaders develop an executive presence. When briefing in an executive session, you must be poised, calm, and to the point. Assumptions and analysis must be thoroughly explained. Approach an executive meeting to build trust and to exert influence with your insights. Be convincing in your logic. Senior executives are looking for people who are not impulsive but are deliberate and thoughtful in their approach to a problem. They are looking for team players and partners.
Great leaders set up their team members for success. Bad leaders often use their team for their own gain and take credit when things go well while blaming others for bad news.
Finance and Accounting Managers need formal leadership training throughout their career to help them advance and lead properly. They are often promoted with little or no formal training or mentoring on leadership. They mimic (or avoid) what they have experienced with the managers that hired them. If their role model was positive, then they have a chance to copy those traits.
Mindset determines everything. It is how we view people, how we approach work everyday and how we approach problem solving. If we are stubborn, we will have a closed-minded viewpoint, which will pierce the internal thinking process of our team. You can be humble and strong at the same time.
What can you do to improve your leadership, so your team grows, and the business can thrive?
Please comment or email me at comment@stephenmclain.com.
Copyright 2018 – Stephen McLain
