Leadership

January 23, 2012

By Nai Hwang

hwangnaismblog

I recently conducted a brief survey at the board meeting to gain an understanding of each member’s perspective of leadership. I asked them to consider a definition, qualities and practice. The survey results may serve as a reminder for daily living:

  • Great communication skills, which involve being patient and direct; decisive; provide clear direction; good listener; indicate clear priorities; empowering; trusting; and genuinely like and appreciate people.
  • Make your entire team feel important because they are.
  • Willingness to risk embarrassing yourself.
  • High standards and realistic expectations.
  • Lead by example.
  • Possess vision, enthusiasm, prioritization skills, consideration, organization, intelligence, honesty, integrity and respect.
  • Awareness of the needs of staff, peers and clients in making business decisions.
  • Understand your goals and bring out the strengths in your employees, while keeping everyone focused on the task at hand.

According to Wikipedia, leadership has been described as the “process of social influence which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task.” Alan Keith of Genentech states, “Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen.”

Effective leadership is also defined as “the ability to successfully integrate and maximize available resources within the internal and external environment for the attainment of organizational or societal goals.

Based on this definition, CPA Day at the Capitol is an example of effective leadership. This annual event connects members with legislators and their staff providing crucial information regarding our profession. I’m proud of the fact that the San Diego chapter sponsored 14 college students from 5 different schools to attend this function and gain experience first-hand in Sacramento.  I encourage you to embrace the spirit of leadership and make a difference during tax season, the new year—and especially in the lives of people!