Insights and Ideas

When I founded Thomson Consulting, the concept of finding The Intersection of Performance and Culture was pivotal. Now, five years later, it is still just as important.

As the accounting landscape evolves, CPA firm leaders face critical decisions that shape their firms’ futures. Whether exploring capital solutions, considering mergers, or maintaining independence, the path forward requires informed choices.

“The more things change, the more they stay the same” is a familiar cliché. To me, however, it applies to the state of our profession. 

We can be content with the firm we’ve built, but I don’t believe we can afford to be satisfied. 

Thomson Consulting it thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Netgain Technology, LLC.

As a leader, you must always be one step ahead, but if you are too far ahead, you risk losing people's trust and willingness to follow.

If I asked anyone in your company what it believed in, what the company valued, or what its mission is, would they be able to answer correctly?

Sometimes no is the right answer, especially when goal setting. Learn how to constructively tell your team no when necessary and why it can be a good thing.

When we think of structure, we typically think of governance and consider the roles of managing partners, CEOs, executive committees, etc. But where do our Practice Leaders fit into the governance structure?

Understanding what your team truly wants and values has never been more important than it is today.

When employees have clear boundaries and expectations, they are more likely to be motivated to contribute in meaningful ways.

“It’s a funny thing, the more I practice, the luckier I get.” – Arnold Palmer

When was the last time you prioritized your focus and tasks and stuck to them? And when was the last time you sat down and pinpointed exactly how you determine what is and isn't a priority?

Having the wrong person in a leadership role can be extremely damaging to a firm.

When was the last time you took a vacation? And I mean a true vacation when you disconnected from work and enjoyed your time away. As firm leaders, we tend to hesitate from "going off the grid" to relax.

When your firm is presented with the opportunity for growth through M&A or Private Equity, the question you should ask is how it fits into your firm's vision.  

Are you practicing excellent client service or excellent client servitude?

Managing a team of CPAs during "Busy Season" often feels like managing a tight shipwreck, or managing chaos, as I call it.

Almost everything we do in the accounting profession for our clients and firms involves a little art and a little science. Succession planning is no different.

Are you owning your accounting firm’s future? I look at planning for – and owning – the future as something that is combat driven. Let me explain.