How to Rally Your Firm Around Workflows and a “Process” Mindset

I had the pleasure of hosting Wendy Barlin, a seasoned CPA with over 25 years of experience in the accounting industry, a few weeks back on a great webinar. Wendy shared her insights on workflow management, particularly in the context of change management and team dynamics.

Key Talking Points

We kicked off the session with a brief introduction and highlighted Wendy’s journey of buying and selling a firm, emphasizing her progressive approach to technology and workflow management.

And form there, the topic talking points started flowing!

Team buy-in for new tools and processes

One of the key topics we explored was the challenge of getting team buy-in for new tools and processes. Wendy acknowledged that achieving 100% buy-in is unrealistic, as there will always be team members resistant to change.

Change management strategies

She suggested employing change management strategies, such as setting goals, creating competitions, and offering positive reinforcement to encourage engagement.

For those struggling with new systems, she recommended assigning mentors to provide support and guidance, particularly during the initial weeks of implementation.

Maintain momentum among team members

We then delved into the importance of maintaining momentum among team members who are enthusiastic about new tools. Wendy emphasized the value of weekly team meetings where members can share tips and challenges related to the new systems.

This not only fosters a sense of community but also allows for the identification of potential issues early on. She shared a practical example of rewarding team members for their participation, which can motivate others to engage as well.

Wendy’s experiences and “aha” moments

As we discussed building workflows in a startup or high-growth firm, Wendy recounted her experience of shutting down her office and hiring a consultant to help whiteboard processes for her dream firm.

Documenting all workflows before technology

She dove into the importance of documenting workflows before implementing any software, as this ensures clarity and efficiency. Wendy advised firms to break down their services into distinct workflows, allowing for a more manageable approach to process mapping.

The hiring process for firms

We also touched on the hiring process, where Wendy challenged the notion of a talent crisis in the industry. She argued that many firms struggle to find the right candidates due to poor hiring practices.

Wendy emphasized the need for clear job descriptions and the importance of testing candidates’ skills through practical assessments. She shared her unique approach of using jigsaw puzzles as a way to evaluate problem-solving abilities, which can be indicative of a candidate’s fit for the role.

Consistent communication among the firm

Throughout the conversation, Wendy highlighted the significance of regular communication within teams to identify gaps in workflows and address any issues that arise. She recommended using onboarding processes as an opportunity to update and refine workflows based on new employees’ feedback.

This webinar was rich with practical advice on managing workflows, fostering team engagement, and improving hiring practices. Wendy’s insights serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their firm’s efficiency and effectiveness in a rapidly changing environment.

So make sure to watch this one in full!

Need help with your accounting workflows? Discover why thousands of CPAs, Bookkeepers, and Firm Owners use Jetpack Workflow. Schedule your demo today!