Leading In Turbulent Times: Any Opportunity For Professionals?
A survey by recruitment company Robert Half has identified that almost 9 out of 10 accountancy and finance professionals questioned were concerned about the health of the UK economy over the next twelve months.
While this survey was specifically aimed at accountants and finance professionals, chances are that it the results would be very similar if aimed at a wider group of professionals.
At times like this, professionals without doubt come under scrutiny and questions are asked about the cost of these functions. Yet in reality, it is at times like this that professional staff have the opportunity to really demonstrate the range of expertise that they have. For example:
• Accountants play a vital role in the area of cash management and working capital which is likely to be one of the top, if not the top challenge facing businesses
• Purchasing professionals can look to re-negotiate key contracts to get the best deal possible for the organisation
• Internal audit professionals can ensure that there are robust risk management processes in place
• Legal professionals can play a vital role in ensuring that employers go through all of the necessary steps where it is deemed necessary to reduce staff numbers.
Bottom Line – Professionals who are ready and willing to step up to the plate and demonstrate leadership really can make a huge contribution to the long term prosperity of the organisations they work for. The question is are they ready to grab this opportunity?
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.