One topic that pops up often when talking to our members is a desire for a “seat at the table.”
Whether at a literal conference table or more figuratively being a player in the decisions at your firm, having your voice heard gets you the kind of face time you need to be promoted into a leadership role.
Gaining a seat at the table isn't just for partners and C-suite people—it's achievable by anyone committed to personal growth and the firm's success. Here’s how you can ensure your contributions are recognized and valued.
Get external feedback for informed advocacy
One of the most effective ways to elevate your influence within your firm is by seeking external feedback from peers. Engaging with a network of professionals outside your immediate environment provides a broader perspective, enabling you to speak more intelligently about your department and craft compelling business cases.
Join a peer network
You can access valuable insights and trends that inform your strategies by joining a network of peers, like one of the Boomer Circle communities.
For example, our Circle communities offer benchmarking data, allowing members to measure their firm's performance against industry standards and identify areas for improvement. Having data on other firms’ staff size, budgets and successful technologies can bolster your arguments when presenting ideas to leadership.
This kind of information is invaluable when advocating for new technologies or processes.
Leverage resource sharing for operational efficiency
Networking groups also provide resource-sharing opportunities, which can help firms reduce costs and improve service delivery. When peers share the resources they’re using—from software solutions to processes and even temporary staffing resources—the entire group can improve their firms’ efficiency and effectiveness.
For example, say one firm undergoes a months-long search for a new eLearning platform, finally selecting a solution that meets all its needs. When a member of the firm shares it with their peer community, other firms looking for a similar solution can learn from their selection process and save time, effort, and resources.
By presenting this tool and its documented benefits to your leadership, you position yourself as an informed advocate for innovation, strengthening your influence.
Drive innovation and collaborative problem-solving
Engaging with peers fosters collaborative innovation and problem-solving. When you connect with professionals who have faced similar challenges, you gain insights into creative solutions you can adapt to meet your firm’s needs.
Through collaborative innovation, peer networks help members develop unique solutions or improvements in their processes and services. By bringing these innovative ideas to your firm, you demonstrate proactive problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.
For example, another firm might have a novel approach to client engagement that has increased satisfaction and retention. Introducing this approach to your firm showcases your innovative thinking and aligns with leadership's goals of enhancing the client experience.
Enhance your presentation skills
Learning to present your ideas effectively is crucial for gaining a seat at the table. In peer networks, you can observe and practice effective presentation techniques, learning from those who’ve successfully influenced their firm’s direction.
Gain recognition and credibility through awards
Exposure through peer networks can lead to recognition and awards that give you more credibility within the firm and in the profession. Being recognized for your contributions boosts your professional profile and is a powerful tool for showcasing your value to your firm’s leadership.
Securing a seat at the table is really about demonstrating your value through informed advocacy, operational efficiency, innovative problem-solving, effective communication and professional recognition. By joining a peer network and leveraging their resources and insights, you can elevate your role and influence within your firm, no matter your position or title. This proactive approach will benefit your professional growth and contribute to the overall success of your firm.
Are you ready to upskill your team and transform your firm?
The Boomer Learning & Development Circle is a peer group of learning and development professionals in the accounting profession who share tools and resources to properly support their firms’ learning and development goals. Apply now to ensure you’re focusing on the right skills, engaging learners and demonstrating value to other firm leaders.
As a Solutions Advisor for Boomer Consulting, Inc., Derek Olsen is passionate about helping members get matched up with the right Circle community and seeing how a peer community gives them more energy for their roles.
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