For most people, tax season is stressful. Maybe you don’t like facing the bill, or perhaps you just don’t like the diligence of filing. This is not my case: I LOVE doing my taxes. The reason is my accountant: Patrick Frawley. Patrick makes taxes fun, easy, efficient and joyful. Here are what I consider the secrets to his greatness:
- He’s got the human touch. Patrick and I have been working together since I first dipped my toe in running my own business (originally as a business consultant) 6 years ago. He’s seen it all – the highs, the lows, the immense valleys. Today, he looked through my P&L, took off his glasses, reached over to me and said: “wow, kiddo. Look at that jump. You should be very proud of yourself. Congratulations.” Patrick was genuinely proud of me and happy for me. This made me feel wonderful. He did not have to do that. He definitely sees so many clients that I could naturally assume he didn’t remember lil’ ole me. But he does and he did. That is the human touch.
- He’s a servant leader. Patrick’s team is loyal, efficient, responsive and so, so nice. How does he do it? He tells me he trusts them and knows they know what they are doing. This is enlightened leadership. I also see how he recognizes and praises them for being great at their jobs. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding,.
- He’s so EXTRA. Patrick’s number one secret, if you ask me, is how old school he is. Every single time I have seen Patrick, he has been dressed smashingly, in double breasted tweeds with a flock of well combed white hair. He also helps me into my coat when I leave and then walks me all the way down and out the building. This is a gentleman, indeed. I mean, WHO DOES THAT?
So there you have it. Want to be as wonderful for your teams and clients? Be like Patrick: be human, be a servant leader, be extra. None of these things cost you anything other than extra effort. Effort that never goes unnoticed.
Wishing you all a great tax season.
– Coach Keren