Avid readers and life-long learners develop a network and shortcuts to accelerate their reading and retention. Like others in our profession, my early career focused on technical knowledge, passing the CPA exam and continuing professional education. However, I did make two significant decisions early in my career.
First, I joined a coaching community outside of the profession. The Strategic Coach program, founded by Dan Sullivan, introduced me to the importance of reading and the commonality of entrepreneurs’ challenges as they grow their companies. I quickly realized that to accelerate learning, it must be a two-way street. In other words, the most significant experiences come when the student learns from the teacher, and the teacher learns from the student.
I also joined and contributed time and resources to professional communities like the American Institute of CPAs, the Kansas Society of CPAs, Abundance360 by Peter Diamandis, and various technology groups on a local and international basis.
Today, the value of community is accelerated by technology that has disrupted, enabled and improved over the past 50 years. Ray Kurzweil refers to this as the Law of Accelerating Returns. For an example of this law, consider a penny doubled every day for a month. It seems insignificant initially, but you’ll see exponential growth in the last five days. You do the math!
5 titles to consider
There is no question that education and all professions must transform. CPA firms are looking for skills and tools to increase capacity and capabilities. The table stakes are incredibly high, requiring new skill sets, tool sets and mindsets. While many focus on skill sets and tool sets (technology), mindset is often the greatest challenge. I ask you to share your resources and what you and your firm are reading and thinking about the future.
There are many great resources, but I’ll focus on five recent books today. All authors are “results leaders.” Some have a long history with the accounting profession, and others are from outside it. But all will impact your thinking and mindset.
I recommend reading the books in order to achieve maximum impact and promote effective action. Problem-solving is in the DNA of most CPAs and consultants. Still, in my opinion, you will be better served by understanding the magnitude of the challenge (thinking) and then focusing on the strategy (planning) and execution (growing). Likewise, procrastination is a real obstacle, and some will delay until after busy season.
1. “A World Without Email,” by Cal Newport;
2. “Provoke,” by Geoff Tuff and Steven Goldbach;
3. “Exponential Organizations,” by Salim Ismail;
4. “Who Not How,” by Dan Sullivan; and,
5. “Time’s Up,” by Paul Dunn and Ronald J. Baker.
Learning is personal, and everyone has preferences. Some of the tools and applications I utilize are:
- Amazon Kindle;
- Audible;
- Blinkist; Summaries.com; and,
- Podcasts.
I am confident you will have other suggestions and resources — that is the benefit of a community where you can discuss and recommend resources. Transformation is bigger than any individual, but we can all make a difference.
Think — plan — grow!
