Create A Positive Business Culture
By Michael D'Avirro
 

As the co-managing partner of a CPA firm I have come to see, first hand, how the culture of an organization directly impacts its productivity and quality of life. The success of our business and our clients is directly related to the productivity of our people. A positive firm culture clearly results in quality customer service.
In my 25 years of practice, I have witnessed first hand, several types of culture in several accounting firms – from negative and difficult places to work to positive, respectful environments. It is not always about the dollars; that will come if you have a great place to work.

• Hire enough people so that employees are not overworked. This will have a direct impact on your employees’ quality of life and this translates into something even bigger – higher quality client service.
   

• Communicate your expectations to employees up front. People want to know what the expectation is, and when it is not communicated it leads to confusion and unrest. Employees generally want to achieve, but when the expectations are not communicated they have no way to determine whether they are doing the right thing.
   

• Be responsive to issues that frustrate employees such as technology upgrades and working conditions. Provide the best resources possible, and you will see greater production from your people. You often hear that it is the “little things that make a difference.” There is nothing more frustrating than to have your computer crash and lose data that took hours to put together. This surely leads to negativity in the work place.
   

• Treat employees with respect. No one will be positive about your organization if he or she isn’t treated with respect. Your people should be the best public-relations messengers you have. Treat them right, and they will brag about your organization.
   

• Create flexibility in the work schedule. Today, more than ever, people need to have flexibility to take care of their personal issues during business hours. Don’t watch the clock and “nickel and dime” your employees’ personal time. Agree on the expectations as far as production, pay, and hours, and then allow your employees flexibility to meet those expectations. Continuously revisit your policies to be sure that they meet the needs of your people.
   

• Integrity and leadership at the top is a must. Too many organizations believe that by being easy on people they provided a “good culture”. This will only be true in organizations that have a value system based on integrity. Without integrity, an organization will also lack accountability and honesty. These organizations often develop a negative culture where politics rule the day. The leadership must communicate the expectations and hold its employees accountable. Employees should hold the leadership accountable and expect the organization to meet their needs. There must be open and honest communication when expectations are not met. This type of environment fosters learning and continuous improvements.
   

• Allow all levels of the organization to be involved in decision-making. Get your people involved and allow them to reach their full potential. Allow your people to become future leaders in your organization, in their departments, and in the community. You must give them the freedom to make decisions that affect the organizations without fear of retribution if they make the wrong decision. In most cases, even the wrong decision is better than no decision at all. By not making decisions, you can never come to the right decision.
   

• Give back to your community. Get your entire organization involved with charitable and community programs. It is a great way to emphasize teamwork and a feel good environment.

Following these simple rules will allow you to begin to create a positive environment in your business. This will surely yield a happier workplace, more productivity, better client service and enhanced quality of life. Our goal, as yours should be, is to become the employer of choice.

Michael D’Avirro is co-managing partner of Bowers & Company CPA’s. He specializes in consulting and tax planning for business owners. Contact him at (315) 234-1172 or mgd@bcpllc.com.