The first year of partnership is often one of the most challenging years in an accountant’s career. Sarah has experienced it firsthand, and we’ve both coached many others through this complex transition. We’ve helped them cultivate a more supportive mindset, effect positive change within their firms, become the leaders they want to be – conscious, kind, present – and model authenticity and confidence for the people they lead.
Last month, we shared seven major challenges we help new Partners navigate to feel more confident, supported and successful. One of the biggest challenges of being a new Partner is feeling like you have to go it alone. Please do not fall into this trap! In fact, the very definition of Partner means that you are sharing in the risk and rewards of a business with others. It’s critical during your first year (and every year) as a Partner that you build a strong support network to help you elevate your leadership.
Here are some common questions we’re asked by new Partners:
- As a first-year Partner, how do I stay connected to and supported by the people I care about, even though I’m busy and overwhelmed?
- I feel responsible for making a big impact in my first year as Partner, but how?
- Can I ask for help from my first-year Partner peers?
Read below for our answers to each of these questions.
Whether you’re a newly promoted Partner struggling to find your footing, a senior Partner wondering how you can support those rising up behind you, or someone who aspires to be a Partner one day, we’re here to support you and your firm through this significant career transition and create more possibilities for your leaders and organization!
Q: As a first-year Partner, how do I stay connected to and supported by the people I care about, even though I’m busy and overwhelmed?
A: Ask for help and bring people on your journey with you.
This can, in many cases, be one of the toughest years of your professional life.
To weather the challenges, be proactive about creating a support network for you. Enroll the important people in your life in your success – invite them on this journey with you.
Ask yourself: What kind of support do I think I will need?
Overdo it in this area. When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to pull away and feel like you have the shoulder the burden on your own.
- Find accountability partners. Ask your family and friends (maybe even a peer who recently made partner when you did) to help you stick to the goals and expectations you’ve set for yourself.
- Let them know you’re serious. Make sure they know you want them to hold you accountable to the boundaries you’ve set around letting work go at the end of the day, exercising, resting, and whatever else you know you need to feel balanced and show up as the leader you want to be.
- Honor those partners. Be present with the people you care about and celebrate your wins with them. It’s easy to fall into putting our relationships on the back burner when we get busy, but you will need those people to help carry you through this first year.
Q: I feel responsible for making a big impact in my first year as Partner, but how?
A: The most successful strategy for effecting change as a first-year Partner isn’t what you might think.
Many first-year partners are excited to finally have the power to create firm-wide cultural change.
This may feel counterintuitive, but the best way to effect real change during your first year as Partner, especially with everything else you are balancing, is to focus on yourself first.
Start with a small circle of influence – just you and your team.
- Show up authentically as who you are – not as that perfect Partner persona you think you’re supposed to be.
- Use your role as a leader to model in yourself the change you want to see in your firm.
- Create space and invest the time to focus on yourself and your leadership of others.
Your impact doesn’t have to be wide to be powerful. Just start with you and the people you lead every day. You’ll be surprised at what a big difference you can make!
Q: Can I ask for help from my first-year Partner peers?
A: Yes! When you connect with others about your shared challenges (and successes), you all become more successful.
We often work with groups of first-year partners, and we’ve seen first-hand how powerful it is when you reach out and connect with peers around your shared challenges. You’ll feel more confident, comfortable, and less alone – faster.
Leveraging this invaluable network expands your arena of influence as well, and that amplified influence can help you and your peers collectively effect the changes you’d like to see in your firm.
The purpose of partnership is not having to go it alone.
By reaching out to other new partners, you’re doing yourself, others on your team, and your firm a great service.
See you in the DOP,
