No single factor is more important in success than Leadership; and none more complex. I don’t have a silver bullet answer regarding what leadership attribute or principle is the key criterion; I think that’s the condundrum – and beauty, of leadership – it can flourish in many environments and with many styles – and be equally emaciated or suffocated by environments and styles.

I didn’t write to wax philosophically – when I read your article, I was struck that a professor at my alma matter (SUNY Buffalo, Jacobs School of Mgt), Jerry M. Newman, took a sabatical and took jobs at fast food restaurants. “My undercover life at McDonalds” his key take-away: The difference between great and successful restaurants, even within the same franchise chain, boils down to: solid LEADERSHIP! A good manager, who inspires others and holds people accountable for sucess wins the day. I think we all can anchor to that, since we’ve all been to good, efficient and clean places and likewise suffered those which toil under poor leadership…

I thought it interesting that this common theme transcends industry and business – and not surprisingly, is equally true within the CPA field.

Thanks for the article and thoughts on leadership.

Kind Regards,
Ed Herbst

Asking questions that lead to a conclusion instead of making a statement.

Serving instead of being served.

Jason S. Inman, CPA, CIPM
MCDONNELL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC
Client Accounting and Reporting

One thing I’ve always noted about leadership is that good leaders are also good followers. By this I mean that they are always willing to listen to their own followers for ideas and let their followers lead themselves and sometimes the organization. Good leaders often give good direction or a compass for the organization and provide clarity and practicality to an project’s objectives or an organization’s mission.