As we wrap up 2023 and look forward to 2024, we feel immense gratitude for the work we get to do in the accounting profession every day.
Our mission at I2L is to create a new Dimension of Possible for the accounting profession and the world. The world is changing fast. People are changing. We need more human centric, connective ways of doing business.
The Dimension of Possible is an elevated place where we see the world differently. Fear no longer drives us, and love reigns.
The profession is undergoing significant changes in a short time – a global pandemic, a surge in artificial intelligence, and a remote workforce. We seem unable to keep up with the human side of change. We’re losing the most important part of our business – our ability to connect with one another at a human level.
The pandemic showed us that our mission is more needed than ever. We all need to be seen and heard, to connect, to bring our whole selves to the table. We are all seeking meaning and purpose, and we want to feel fulfilled in our work, to enjoy what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and who we’re doing it with.
How do we create this new Dimension of Possible?
In human centric, connected ways:
- By understanding and bringing our whole selves to work, which gives others permission to do the same.
- By leveraging the power of coaching to unlock the potential in others.
- By letting go of what we think we know and asking brave and uncomfortable questions, such as: How are we really doing? and Why are we doing what we’re doing?
We create a new Dimension of Possible each time we choose to bring love to ourselves, others, and the work we do.
We’ve been honored to work with thousands of curious improvers (Who are the curious improvers? See below to learn more!) to create this new Dimension of Possible – conscious leaders who want to shift the tide in the accounting profession. In our work with these leaders, we follow a set of beliefs and standards:
We’ve talked about three of our beliefs in past blog posts: love, belonging, and curiosity. Today we want to share about the power of possibilities and play.
Accountants can take themselves very seriously at times, putting pressure on themselves with a hyper-focus on profit over people, billable hours, and deadlines. We believe it’s time to bring a lighter heart and more celebration to what we do!
Celebration ignites our confidence and fuels us when times are tough. Instead of just focusing on the challenges ahead, celebration reminds us of all the challenges we’ve already overcome. It reminds us how strong and resilient we are and all the things we’re capable of. We, as a profession, do not celebrate enough.
When we give ourselves permission to celebrate more at work, to have more fun, to play more, we can bring more of our whole selves to work. When we are having more fun, we connect with others at a deeper level. We learn more. We are more resilient. We feel more fulfilled. We shift the tide from fear to love, creating a profession that is human-centric, collaborative, and high performing.
As you wrap up 2023 and look forward to 2024: What are you celebrating? What have you accomplished? How have you grown?
Our holiday wish for you: May the joy of celebration energize you and create hope and positive expectation for the new year!
See you in the DoP,
Who are the curious improvers, and how are they shifting the tide in the accounting profession?
The curious improvers are the conscious leaders who know things need to change, that things could be different and better. They are the ones who are helping us shift the tide in the accounting profession from fear to love.
Do we have enough of these leaders today to truly shift the tide? Perhaps we have more than we think – some may be in hiding, unsure how to come forward in the current climate.
Curious improvers often live in organizations doing business the old way, and they may feel like shifting the tide from fear to love isn’t welcome, that it’s not valued. They believe in the need to develop their people and foster connection, trust, and belonging in the workplace, but they don’t often see themselves or others being valued (and compensated) for this.
Curious improvers don’t judge or say the old ways are wrong. Instead, they focus on themselves first, understanding and appreciating their intrinsic value. As they embody the change they want to see happen, they inspire connection and trust with others, so they can shift the tide together.
At I2L, we love to work with curious improvers to create a new Dimension of Possible for the accounting profession. If you’re a curious improver who wants to shift the tide, please join us!
