What is “Smart Team Management?” (A Guide for Every Boss)

In recent years, the accounting profession has faced significant challenges in managing a team effectively.

The pandemic has accelerated changes in work environments, employee expectations, and client demands. As a result, firm owners and managers must adapt their leadership approaches to create sustainable, productive, and fulfilling workplaces.

Enter: “Smart Team Management,” a comprehensive framework designed to address these challenges and foster a thriving firm culture.

In this blog post, we’ll go through:

• How managing a team has shifted in the past few years.
• The core principles of Smart Team Management.
• How to implement Smart Team Management at your accounting firm.

Let’s get started!

Managing a team isn’t the same as it was five years ago

Gone are the days when managing a team simply meant ensuring employees were present in the office for a set number of hours. John Mitchell, culture expert and frequent guest on The Modern Firm® podcast, notes that the traditional honor system of employees completing their work without clear metrics or expectations is no longer sufficient.

This is not because there’s a lack of trust, but rather because the way a team operates today is different than it was five years ago.

As Mitchell points out, “We understand the market, we understand our responsibility to our clients, and we understand what ‘team’ is better than we ever have.”

This shift has led to the creation of a new team management model—one that focuses on creating an environment where employees can thrive and deliver their best work, rather than simply trying to extract maximum output through constant oversight: Smart Team Management.

The core principles of Smart Team Management

1. Clarity of expectations

Everyone on your team deserves to know what you expect.

One of the fundamental aspects of Smart Team Management is providing clear expectations for every team member. Clarity helps reduce anxiety and ambiguity, allowing employees to focus on their work with confidence.

2. Embracing change

Change management is a critical skill for modern firm leaders. The ability to navigate transitions, whether they involve new processes, software implementations, or shifts in work arrangements, is essential for maintaining a productive and engaged team.

3. Rethinking the business model

Many staffing issues stem from outdated or ineffective business models. Firm owners must critically examine their service offerings, pricing strategies, and overall approach to ensure they’re prioritizing their team.

4. Prioritizing work-life balance

Smart Team Management involves creating an environment that supports employees’ personal lives while still meeting business objectives.

This may include offering remote work options, flexible schedules, or other accommodations that allow team members to perform at their best.

5. Fostering a positive team culture

Identifying and empowering a “Smart Team Manager” within the firm can help create a positive, supportive culture.

This person is often naturally inclined to build community, remember personal details about team members, and consider the human element in business decisions.

Implementing smart team management in your firm

1. Assess your current business model: Take a hard look at your firm’s services, client base, and revenue model. Are they sustainable and supportive of a healthy work environment for your team? Be willing to make changes if necessary to create a more balanced and profitable firm.
2. Establish clear metrics and expectations: Move beyond the “butts in seats” mentality and develop meaningful metrics for productivity and success. Communicate these expectations clearly to your team and provide regular feedback.
3. Invest in technology and infrastructure: Ensure your firm has the necessary tools and systems in place to support flexible work arrangements and efficient communication. This investment can pay dividends in terms of employee satisfaction and productivity.
4. Prioritize change management: Develop strategies for introducing and implementing changes in your firm. Create a safe environment where team members feel comfortable adapting to new processes or technologies.
5. Focus on mental health and well-being: While it’s not the firm’s responsibility to solve all personal problems, creating a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health can lead to a more engaged and productive team. Consider offering resources or benefits that support employee well-being.
6. Identify and empower a Smart Team Manager: Look for someone within your firm who naturally excels at building relationships and fostering community. Elevate this person to a leadership role focused on team management and culture-building.
7. Continuously reassess and adapt: Smart Team Management is an ongoing process. Regularly seek feedback from your team and be willing to adjust your approach as needed to meet evolving needs and challenges.

The accounting profession will continue to evolve—and so must you!

Accounting firms that embrace Smart Team Management principles will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

By focusing on creating a supportive, flexible, and engaging work environment, firm owners can build teams that are not only more productive but also more fulfilled in their professional lives.

Learn more about Smart Team Management on The Modern Firm podcast.

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