Setting the Right Tone as a Leader

Your team learns what is expected by watching what you do. For CPA firm partners and leaders, working through illness or checking email on vacation can send a message you never intended: that everyone else should do the same. Setting the tone starts with noticing the example you’re providing.

I’m going to tell you a story. It’s not sad, and I’m fine. But a long time ago, I was sick. And at the same time, my son was born, and I was trying to make partner in public accounting. It was a busy time, and the sickness did not come at a convenient time, not that it ever does.

The Struggle

I was getting treatments in the morning with all kinds of tubes and needles in me. Once I wrapped up with that, I’d head into the office to finish whatever it was I was working on. That was my routine. I was trying to make partner, get everything done, and prepare for my son’s arrival. One day, I was in my office after treatment, working away at something, when there was a knock at my door. It was a senior partner of the firm, and he gave me that look.

The Lesson

“Doug, how are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m good,” I replied.

“Did you have treatment this morning?” he asked.

“Yes,” I answered.

“How are you feeling?”

“Tired, but I’m here. I can do it.”

“I know you can do it,” he said. Then he paused and asked, “But what kind of message are you sending to your teams?”

That question stopped me in my tracks. He continued, “Do you think you should work when you’re sick? Is this something you’d want one of your team members to do when they’re sick? To come in and work?”

“No,” I admitted.

“And what kind of person do I look like, having you here working on my stuff when you’re sick?”

A big a$$hole, I thought. I apologized, realizing he was teaching me a crucial lesson.

The Importance of Tone Setting

It’s important to be aware of not just what we can do, but what others see us doing. As leaders, we set the tone. People look to us to understand how they should be. This brings me to my point that whether it be the 4th of July, a vacation, a child’s recital, or however you manage your own health, you set a tone and your team is watching.

A Challenge for Your Next Holiday or Vacation

For an upcoming holiday or vacation, be mindful of the tone you set. I hope you plan to enjoy it with family, go to barbecues, go wakeboarding, or just have fun. I want those of you who are torn on how to work while on vacation or holiday, that may be thinking you should send a couple of emails, work a couple of hours in the morning, or just check in on a couple of things.

Be aware of the tone you’re setting by how you work during your vacation week. Your teams are looking to you as a tone setter. Do they need to check email? Are you going to send them something? Should they wait for that email that’s so important?

Set the proper tone. Take time off and show your teams how to truly take time off. Show them how much fun it is to disconnect. Let them feel free and able to do the same. There are times when we give more to work, and there are times when we take more from work.

When it’s time to take a break, give your team an example they can follow.

Thanks for reading.

Doug, The CPA Coach.

Set the Tone You Intend

Does the example you set support the culture you want? If you’re a CPA firm partner, owner or leader, executive coaching can help you examine your leadership habits, clarify your intentions, and put them into practice. Bring a situation where your actions and expectations may be sending different messages, and we can explore what you want to change.

Explore coaching with The CPA Coach →

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