What to do when there’s too much to do
Accountants generally know what is the right thing to do.
We know we need to spend time properly instructing that team member and providing guidance for another.
We know what is required to do a dozen different client related tasks professionally and properly.
We know what we need to be doing to manage our own firm effectively.
We know what CPD we need to be taking on board.
And we know that we need to get the car over to the garage to get the wearing tyre sorted.
The trouble is that they all need doing now…and that’s the problem. Here’s what to do next:
First, don’t complain about not having enough time. You have as many minutes in a day as everyone else on this planet.
Second, take a breath. Panicking gets you nowhere.
Third, recognise that you are only human. Whatever is being demanded of you, you can do one thing at once, or rather, you can only do one thing properly at once.
Fourth, prioritise. No matter how difficult, create your list, identify what matters most and what you can deal with properly.
For the rest:
- Delegate what you can
- Bin what you don’t need
- Be honest with the rest. Pick up the phone and reschedule.
I don’t say it’s easy but its professional, it keeps you in control and it gets the job done.
Don’t be driven by he who shouts loudest.
Don’t defer managing your team just because it’s easier than saying no to a client.
And don’t ignore your family or your firm just because they don’t seem to matter there and then.
Take charge.
