Avoid being a drifting firm

Richard Brewin • September 17, 2018

There are times when simply drifting along can seem very tempting. Going with the flow. Taking the path of least resistance. Seeing where the winds takes you. When the pressure is on and stress levels are rising then they all have an appeal.

In fact, if you’re happy with the direction along which you’re being taken and the pace you’re moving at suits you then why not? Let’s not go looking for obstacles just for the sake of it.

Hot air balloon pilots earn the right to drift along. They don’t just role up, inflate and go. Hours, days even, of preparation go into giving them the best possible chance of drifting in the right direction and at the right speed. The prevailing wind, temperatures, metrological conditions, loads and so on are all carefully monitored and assessed before a route can be planned and a take-off point selected. They may be drifting but its drifting to a plan.

Accountancy firms can end up drifting for less considered reasons with frustration becoming the final destination. The absence of a current a plan. A failure to actively manage the plan. Complacency. Avoiding the difficult decisions. Evading challenges. Any of these can leave those at the helm with the frustration of not knowing where they are going or the sense of feeling not fully in control.

There are simple steps to check whether you are drifting:

  1. Can you write down your current goals? Where are you going with this?
  2. Can you list your key actions for the next 3-6 months? Not your task list, but the steps that take you towards your goals.
  3. Can you put in numbers what you expect your firm to look like 12 months from now? What’s your forecast fee income, gross profit %, net profit, drawings, staff numbers, client mix?

For a focussed firm this is all information readily to hand. If it’s a struggle, and I fully understand why this may be the case amongst the realities of running a practice, then it’s time to stop the drift and get yourself back in control of your journey.

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In a world where technology, standards, and client expectations are constantly changing, one thing remains timeless: enthusiasm . As accountants, we’re known for precision, professionalism, and integrity — but without enthusiasm, even the most talented team can fall short of its true potential. As the saying goes, “Nothing is successful without enthusiasm.” And in today’s accounting profession, that’s more relevant than ever.  Here’s why enthusiasm is the secret ingredient that fuels success — both individually and collectively.

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Time to coach

By Richard Brewin • October 17, 2025
We’ve always been the steady hand, the voice of reason, the trusted advisor. Coaching simply helps us do that better — with more empathy, clarity, and connection. Explore the new Accountants Coaching Community, launching now in Australia and the UK.