以下是引用jillgaocn在2007-8-8 20:08:00的发言： Izzie, it is so true about your post. I just began to realize the two points as a senior: People and quality. We need to deliver everything with quality, which need us to be good at all the GAAP, including FASB, APB and AICPA ARB, SOP, etc. On the other hand, we need to take time to show the personal touch on the staff as well. Sometimes, when you pressured with time, it is really hard to do both of them at the same time. On my side and I am sure most Chinese have the similar personalty as I am too: Humble. We always say that we are not good at something and we always take extra efforts to provide better service. As the result, sometimes, we easily behaved overwhelmed under pressure and say things like " I am not good enough..." In this case, if you are already panic and diffident, how could you expect your staff to do other than panic as well? How could you win the respect? From your writing, I am more determined than ever that I need to improve on that. We, as foreign nationals, do have many disadvantages comparing to our American Colleagues - language, social skills, personalities, etc. It is expected that we may need to put in more efforts to achieve the same results as our peers. That is why I think we really need to position ourselves and concentrate on things that will really make a difference. Ignore the fact that we are non-English speakers, ignore the fact that we are females, ignores the fact that we got perfect GPAs in college, and concentrate on lining ourselves up with our American peers but set our expectations higher than they would normally do! When we do all these, we will have much better chance to be successful! Also, try not to be panic. It is common to feel panic under pressure (also among Americans). Been there, done that! Several of my colleagues told me that they had never seen me in a panic. Hehe....that's because I hid well. My theory is ----If being panic is not going to help the matter, why even bother!!! I could use the time being panicky to do something that actually may pull me out of the "mess". When we are in a panicky mode, it is hard to think straight. What worked for me the best was to come up with a priority list of open items/issues. Which one is the most important one? Second in line? Third in line...so on and so forth, Once I had this list, first thing first, try to accomplish one task at a time, until all tasks are completed. As for your staff, try not to show your stress in front of them. The last thing they need is a senior that breaks down at work or at client's site If they can help you reduce your workload and pressure, certainly feel free to share with them. They may offer to assume some of your responsibilities and help you out...... Man....life is complicated and stressful, sometimes!
以下是引用gleaebb在2007-8-8 22:00:00的发言： We all like this post. Your input is very inspiring, indeed. Please keep going :) In the mean time, do you ever have a colleague who tried to alienate you, because she is probably unhappy with her position or she is jealous of your performance or your good relationship with the manager? I'm facing such a situation now but just don't know how to confront her... I certainly experienced that too. Actually it was more than one! That's why I wrote the chapter of "learning to fit in" in an earlier post. The management has a clear idea about who are the "junior stars" after seeing the work quality. Normally those who deliver quality work product tend to be rewarded with more work. In turn, others may be jealous and think more attention has been unfairly given. There is really not much you can do to change these people's perceptions. They just don't understand the equation of success = intelligence + people skills + hard work + luck. No need to worry about them. You don't need to be friends with them. Saying hi and chat with them once a while are more than sufficient. By the way, those people spent most of their time being jealous and complaining don't stick around for very long. I can vouch that statement easily.
以下是引用jillgaocn在2007-8-8 20:08:00的发言： Also, in my own opnion, some people are naturally good at auditing. Of course, experience matters. However, to grasp the concept as quick as possible, for me, is one very important character. I feel that it always takes a long time to realize the whole auditing area and auditing methodology. How could you overcome the difficulty? To illustrate my point, I spent one and a half month to understand the self insurance areas I am auditing. However, when I explain to my staff, I am very surprised that she understand the process and the concept very quickly. I always say to her that she is "bing xue cong ming". She could not understand the chinese but she know that I am praising her. That's why I feel that I might never become a manager in auditing firm. However, I do want to become a qualified senior. I am keen on understanding the concept and hope to be able to see the point, the key risk immediately when talking to the client or managers. Do you have any suggestions on that? Do you also read a lot of technical staffs such as our "lovely" "bible" --- FASB, If I did not read your post last week, I might not be sitting here at the client site now and trying to wrap up my numerous workpaper, scribbled by all kinds of review notes. So you could imagine how much your post have influenced and encouraged me to stay. I could not appreciate enough for your time for the writing. Please allow me to say "thank you so much" ZZ fighting! You are correct that some of us pick up concepts quicker than others. Self-insurance (IBNR) is not an easy area, but once you get enough exposure, it should take you no time. That's great that you recognize your staff's potential and also give her positive feedback. I am sure you made her day when you praised her. As for the technical aspect of the auditing -- I can see what you were describing. I am going to speak from my own experience and my own version of revised XXX audit approach. Please don't quote me on this becuase it is not a "bible". How are we going to identify risks of a business if we don't understand how the business operates? FASB, FAS, FIN, ARB, SOPs can give you an answer on the proper accounting treatment of certain transactions but they don't normally direct you to the risk areas of an audit. Although the more you read, the more you would know where to look when auditing a business. I don't spend a great deal of time memorizing the accounting literature. I do have a general idea about many of these (especially the ones pertain to my clients). I also read daily updates sent out by RIA (a research organization) on authoritative accounting literature. What I prefer, is to spend enough time understanding client's industry and operation. Look at an audit from the BIG PICTURE perspective - Where the company has been and where the company is going. Talk to different levels of client personnel.Really listen to what they have to say. Why does the Company do things certain way? What benefit(s) does the Company get by doing that? Is there an audit risk? Try this to see if it helps. [此贴子已经被作者于2007-8-9 6:41:20编辑过]
以下是引用Oaktree在2007-8-9 1:23:00的发言： Dear Izzie, I like your post so much, please do keep writing! I slacked off on continue writing in the last two weeks. Big oops…. I got a large project with tight deadlines two weeks ago. As committed to work as I am, of course I worked long hours trying to meet the deadlines. You all know how that goes.... Deadlines, deadlines and deadlines - Don't you hate them sometimes? [此贴子已经被作者于2007-8-19 11:12:51编辑过]
以下是引用dumpdump在2007-8-19 15:36:00的发言： 写得真好。工作中有个问题一直很困扰我。在念书的时候就是个比较马虎的人，经常犯一些很低级的错误。那时候大不了考试少几分。不过工作了以后，还是经常犯这种错误。而工作性质又不允许有这种错误。每次老板都很生气。弄得我自己也战战兢兢的。 不知道有没有人也碰到过这种问题？该怎么克服呢？谢谢先！ I guess the real questions are: 1. Do these mistakes substantially impact your work product in a negative way? 2. Have you made attempt to change this? Also, do you normally self review the things that you have done before submitting them to your boss or peers? Sometimes you can catch little mistakes just by doing that. Your boss can also be a good resource to help you correct this pattern. Tell him about your problem and ask him if he can work with you on overcoming this problem. As he sees your efforts and improvement, he shouldn't be mad at you as frequently as he did. Most importantly, you will have a MUCH MORE pleasant working environment. See...problem solved (theoretically anyway)...
Thanks for the advice. I've been pretty candid with my boss(es) and hope to overcome these problems with their help. But sometimes I was afraid that being too candid might affect my performance review in a negative way. Managers would have a sterotyped impression of me - i.e. being careless, lack of attention to details etc. I've been making progresses (as one of the managers put it) but during my last performance review, one reviewer brought up a mistake that I made almost a year and half ago. I don't think this manager has anything personal against me but he's brought up the same issue multiple times during reviews. It almost felt like there's no room for mistakes of sorts and everything would be recorded and remebered forever. So frustrated...:(
以下是引用Izzie在2007-8-6 23:58:00的发言： If I have to define my leadership style, I would call it the “Mentor-type” Management style. I am easy-going, patient, and always there for my subordinates when they need me – just the kind of quality I would expect from a boss when I was a staff or a senior. Here are a few things that I thought might have worked for me in the past: Earn the respect and trust: This takes time! (1) Respect on our technical expertise: Staff will have more respect for us if we have solid understanding on the technical aspect of our job. Our ability to relay complicated technical matters to them in plain English will impress them and thus gain respect. (2) Respect on our work ethics: Be a role model. Display positive attitude. Don’t complain in front of the staff (although occasional b*tching is no big deal) too much. Deliver what we promise. Work hard and be accountable 100%....and be a true professional in every sense of the word. Hi Izzie, today I just wrapped up the accounts with the auditors which I have been working on for the past few weeks and after all the hard work, I did receive some positive comments from our group CFO. So as you can imagine, right now I'm actually very motivated and it makes me totally forgot the pains that I have suffered all along the way. So...based on my own experience...recognize your staff's effort is a good way to motivate them work even harder. Also I want to say thank you for the above advice as sometimes we do forget that the small thing does count for earning other people's respect. I remember when I was a junior, the knowledge I gain from my manager as mentor was enormous and I have to say, his management style still have some effects on me - tough but fair. [此贴子已经被作者于2007-8-21 4:56:12编辑过]
This chapter of my life is called FeedbackPositive Feedback - Joy2joy MM brought up a good point - we all crave for recognition, even if it is just a pat on the back!!! Recognition is a way to confirm our ability and our efforts, isn't it? It also shows the appreciation from others. Being recognized makes us feel satified and motivated. I am not sure if positive recognition is common at your workplace, but I am a strong believer that positive feedback is a great thing - as it creates synergy and motivation! A person who gives positive feedback really has nothing to lose, but everything to gain (i.e. improved productivity from motivated employees). Yet, I don't think that I've seen enough positive feedback in where I work (Some are better than others). I can't change how others show their appreciation. The least I can do is to be as encouraging as I can to others and give positive feedback whenever necessary.
NegativeFeedback - What Dumpdump GG mentioned in his earlier post about negative feedback is probably not uncommon to many of us. Sometimes others may forget about our examples after examples of great contributions to the team/company, but choose to remember our past mistakes as if these mistakes just happened yesterday. I do that sometimes too - having to think REALLY hard to come up with examples to show the good attributes of an associate. Yet, it wouldn't take me more than two seconds to come up with examples of an area that an associate may need improvements. I don't know why this is, but it happens!!! Don't get discouraged. It happens to almost every one of us! My theory of dealing with negative feedback is (1) try hard not to take it personally; (2) to use that as a motivation to make specific improvements in the area(s) mentioned in the negative feedback. I want to be able to say "see, I made it . Now you can't pick on me anymore".
What if there is no feedback ? Do you sometimes want to know how you are doing on a more frequent basis than just an annual review? Does your boss provide you with formal or informal feedback on a regular basis? What if no one gives you feedback? Should you ask for feedback? Anyone care to share their thoughts?
以下是引用Izzie在2007-8-21 21:00:00的发言： This chapter of my life is called FeedbackPositive Feedback - Joy2joy MM brought up a good point - we all crave for recognition, even if it is just a pat on the back!!! Recognition is a way to confirm our ability and our efforts, isn't it? It also shows the appreciation from others. Being recognized makes us feel satified and motivated. I am not sure if positive recognition is common at your workplace, but I am a strong believer that positive feedback is a great thing - as it creates synergy and motivation! A person who gives positive feedback really has nothing to lose, but everything to gain (i.e. improved productivity from motivated employees). Yet, I don't think that I've seen enough positive feedback in where I work (Some are better than others). I can't change how others show their appreciation. The least I can do is to be as encouraging as I can to others and give positive feedback whenever necessary. Can't agree more! Need to cultivate such habit!
excellent post! Amazing~~ Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with us. Hopefully I can find a job eventually and get a chance to practice what I learned from your story!
以下是引用blueocean在2007-10-23 10:36:00的发言： such a nice post! waitting for more and more. Thanks LZMM for writing such a great post, we feel very proud of you! Thank you! I should have continued to write but just got sidetracked with other things (such as work...classes....being lazy...). I am such a slacker sometimes.
以下是引用冰糖葫芦在2007-11-2 16:49:00的发言： Great post! Thanks a lot! I got lots of information from here although I'm working in a quite different field. Oh good. I am glad that you've found this post helpful in some ways.
以下是引用ttooll17在2007-11-2 17:53:00的发言： excellent post! Amazing~~ Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with us. Hopefully I can find a job eventually and get a chance to practice what I learned from your story! You will. No worries...Just work hard and you'll get what you deserve!
以下是引用Caffeine在2007-11-3 18:44:00的发言： I missed this post. Congratulations! What you have accomplished is remarkable and thanks for sharing your experience:) Thank you!! I read your story too. Very inspiring, especially on how to deal with setbacks. Persistence does pay off in the end, does it??
Work-life balance? It is not easy to achieve for those of us that work more than (or way more than) just 40 hours a week. We may have to manage time well, especially our "free-time". Being efficient at work is great, but not enough. I try to be as "efficient" as I can when I am not working as well so I can actually have some true downtime to do things that I like to do. Plan ahead for weekend activities including housework, studing, running errands, watching favorite movies, TV shows, reading books & magazines, shopping, surfing Internet, out to eat with my LD, etc..I normally do get all of them done before a new week starts. The balance is not an absolute term and is adjustable to our perception. Long story short, make the most out of our "free-time" and treasure every minute of it.
Why did you choose part-time MBA program? I have been to several MBA workshops. Many of the MBAs there think full-time is a better way.
Thanks!
For practical reasons... I had started my current job right after I got my undergraduate degree and love what I do. Quitting my job to start a full-time MBA program would set me back on experience level big time and would not make too much sense for me to do that.
interesting read! i really admire ppl who have such a definitive goal in life. for me, i always feel like there are so many different things that i want to try and i tend to get bored easily. i work in a consulting role at an accounting firm, and the most difficult thing for me is to fight with others to take on a leadership role, and i really think that's what it takes to move up in the organization. anyway, enjoyed your post so thought i'd leave a mark :)
以下是引用yumeka在2008-6-9 13:24:00的发言： interesting read! i really admire ppl who have such a definitive goal in life. for me, i always feel like there are so many different things that i want to try and i tend to get bored easily. i work in a consulting role at an accounting firm, and the most difficult thing for me is to fight with others to take on a leadership role, and i really think that's what it takes to move up in the organization. anyway, enjoyed your post so thought i'd leave a mark :)
Thank you, Yumeka.
I have somewhat a different view on this whole leadership thing. Is that correct that what you really meant was that your workplace is very competitive and you consistently need to put in a lot of effort to outshine your peers? I always believe that winning takes talent, but to repeat takes character. Leadership is a continuous process, not a stand-still stage. It comes naturally when we have gained sufficient respect from our subordinates, peers and superiors.
Izzie, it is so true about your post. I just began to realize the two points as a senior: People and quality. We need to deliver everything with quality, which need us to be good at all the GAAP, including FASB, APB and AICPA ARB, SOP, etc. On the other hand, we need to take time to show the personal touch on the staff as well. Sometimes, when you pressured with time, it is really hard to do both of them at the same time. On my side and I am sure most Chinese have the similar personalty as I am too: Humble. We always say that we are not good at something and we always take extra efforts to provide better service. As the result, sometimes, we easily behaved overwhelmed under pressure and say things like " I am not good enough..." In this case, if you are already panic and diffident, how could you expect your staff to do other than panic as well? How could you win the respect? From your writing, I am more determined than ever that I need to improve on that. We, as foreign nationals, do have many disadvantages comparing to our American Colleagues - language, social skills, personalities, etc. It is expected that we may need to put in more efforts to achieve the same results as our peers. That is why I think we really need to position ourselves and concentrate on things that will really make a difference. Ignore the fact that we are non-English speakers, ignore the fact that we are females, ignores the fact that we got perfect GPAs in college, and concentrate on lining ourselves up with our American peers but set our expectations higher than they would normally do! When we do all these, we will have much better chance to be successful! Also, try not to be panic. It is common to feel panic under pressure (also among Americans). Been there, done that! Several of my colleagues told me that they had never seen me in a panic. Hehe....that's because I hid well. My theory is ----If being panic is not going to help the matter, why even bother!!! I could use the time being panicky to do something that actually may pull me out of the "mess". When we are in a panicky mode, it is hard to think straight. What worked for me the best was to come up with a priority list of open items/issues. Which one is the most important one? Second in line? Third in line...so on and so forth, Once I had this list, first thing first, try to accomplish one task at a time, until all tasks are completed. As for your staff, try not to show your stress in front of them. The last thing they need is a senior that breaks down at work or at client's site If they can help you reduce your workload and pressure, certainly feel free to share with them. They may offer to assume some of your responsibilities and help you out...... Man....life is complicated and stressful, sometimes!
We all like this post. Your input is very inspiring, indeed. Please keep going :) In the mean time, do you ever have a colleague who tried to alienate you, because she is probably unhappy with her position or she is jealous of your performance or your good relationship with the manager? I'm facing such a situation now but just don't know how to confront her... I certainly experienced that too. Actually it was more than one! That's why I wrote the chapter of "learning to fit in" in an earlier post. The management has a clear idea about who are the "junior stars" after seeing the work quality. Normally those who deliver quality work product tend to be rewarded with more work. In turn, others may be jealous and think more attention has been unfairly given. There is really not much you can do to change these people's perceptions. They just don't understand the equation of success = intelligence + people skills + hard work + luck. No need to worry about them. You don't need to be friends with them. Saying hi and chat with them once a while are more than sufficient. By the way, those people spent most of their time being jealous and complaining don't stick around for very long. I can vouch that statement easily.
Also, in my own opnion, some people are naturally good at auditing. Of course, experience matters. However, to grasp the concept as quick as possible, for me, is one very important character. I feel that it always takes a long time to realize the whole auditing area and auditing methodology. How could you overcome the difficulty? To illustrate my point, I spent one and a half month to understand the self insurance areas I am auditing. However, when I explain to my staff, I am very surprised that she understand the process and the concept very quickly. I always say to her that she is "bing xue cong ming". She could not understand the chinese but she know that I am praising her. That's why I feel that I might never become a manager in auditing firm. However, I do want to become a qualified senior. I am keen on understanding the concept and hope to be able to see the point, the key risk immediately when talking to the client or managers. Do you have any suggestions on that? Do you also read a lot of technical staffs such as our "lovely" "bible" --- FASB, If I did not read your post last week, I might not be sitting here at the client site now and trying to wrap up my numerous workpaper, scribbled by all kinds of review notes. So you could imagine how much your post have influenced and encouraged me to stay. I could not appreciate enough for your time for the writing. Please allow me to say "thank you so much" ZZ fighting! You are correct that some of us pick up concepts quicker than others. Self-insurance (IBNR) is not an easy area, but once you get enough exposure, it should take you no time. That's great that you recognize your staff's potential and also give her positive feedback. I am sure you made her day when you praised her. As for the technical aspect of the auditing -- I can see what you were describing. I am going to speak from my own experience and my own version of revised XXX audit approach. Please don't quote me on this becuase it is not a "bible". How are we going to identify risks of a business if we don't understand how the business operates? FASB, FAS, FIN, ARB, SOPs can give you an answer on the proper accounting treatment of certain transactions but they don't normally direct you to the risk areas of an audit. Although the more you read, the more you would know where to look when auditing a business. I don't spend a great deal of time memorizing the accounting literature. I do have a general idea about many of these (especially the ones pertain to my clients). I also read daily updates sent out by RIA (a research organization) on authoritative accounting literature. What I prefer, is to spend enough time understanding client's industry and operation. Look at an audit from the BIG PICTURE perspective - Where the company has been and where the company is going. Talk to different levels of client personnel.Really listen to what they have to say. Why does the Company do things certain way? What benefit(s) does the Company get by doing that? Is there an audit risk? Try this to see if it helps.
[此贴子已经被作者于2007-8-9 6:41:20编辑过]
Dear Izzie, I like your post so much, please do keep writing!
[此贴子已经被作者于2007-8-19 11:12:51编辑过]
写得真好。工作中有个问题一直很困扰我。在念书的时候就是个比较马虎的人，经常犯一些很低级的错误。那时候大不了考试少几分。不过工作了以后，还是经常犯这种错误。而工作性质又不允许有这种错误。每次老板都很生气。弄得我自己也战战兢兢的。 不知道有没有人也碰到过这种问题？该怎么克服呢？谢谢先！ I guess the real questions are: 1. Do these mistakes substantially impact your work product in a negative way? 2. Have you made attempt to change this? Also, do you normally self review the things that you have done before submitting them to your boss or peers? Sometimes you can catch little mistakes just by doing that. Your boss can also be a good resource to help you correct this pattern. Tell him about your problem and ask him if he can work with you on overcoming this problem. As he sees your efforts and improvement, he shouldn't be mad at you as frequently as he did. Most importantly, you will have a MUCH MORE pleasant working environment. See...problem solved (theoretically anyway)...
If I have to define my leadership style, I would call it the “Mentor-type” Management style. I am easy-going, patient, and always there for my subordinates when they need me – just the kind of quality I would expect from a boss when I was a staff or a senior. Here are a few things that I thought might have worked for me in the past: Earn the respect and trust: This takes time! (1) Respect on our technical expertise: Staff will have more respect for us if we have solid understanding on the technical aspect of our job. Our ability to relay complicated technical matters to them in plain English will impress them and thus gain respect. (2) Respect on our work ethics: Be a role model. Display positive attitude. Don’t complain in front of the staff (although occasional b*tching is no big deal) too much. Deliver what we promise. Work hard and be accountable 100%....and be a true professional in every sense of the word. Hi Izzie, today I just wrapped up the accounts with the auditors which I have been working on for the past few weeks and after all the hard work, I did receive some positive comments from our group CFO. So as you can imagine, right now I'm actually very motivated and it makes me totally forgot the pains that I have suffered all along the way. So...based on my own experience...recognize your staff's effort is a good way to motivate them work even harder.
[此贴子已经被作者于2007-8-21 4:56:12编辑过]
This chapter of my life is called Feedback Positive Feedback - Joy2joy MM brought up a good point - we all crave for recognition, even if it is just a pat on the back!!! Recognition is a way to confirm our ability and our efforts, isn't it? It also shows the appreciation from others. Being recognized makes us feel satified and motivated. I am not sure if positive recognition is common at your workplace, but I am a strong believer that positive feedback is a great thing - as it creates synergy and motivation! A person who gives positive feedback really has nothing to lose, but everything to gain (i.e. improved productivity from motivated employees). Yet, I don't think that I've seen enough positive feedback in where I work (Some are better than others). I can't change how others show their appreciation. The least I can do is to be as encouraging as I can to others and give positive feedback whenever necessary.
Great thinking and great writing. Thanks
such a nice post! waitting for more and more. Thanks LZMM for writing such a great post, we feel very proud of you! Thank you! I should have continued to write but just got sidetracked with other things (such as work...classes....being lazy...). I am such a slacker sometimes.
Great post! Thanks a lot! I got lots of information from here although I'm working in a quite different field.
excellent post! Amazing~~ Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with us. Hopefully I can find a job eventually and get a chance to practice what I learned from your story! You will. No worries...Just work hard and you'll get what you deserve!
I missed this post. Congratulations! What you have accomplished is remarkable and thanks for sharing your experience:)
Thank you!! I read your story too. Very inspiring, especially on how to deal with setbacks. Persistence does pay off in the end, does it??
How do you handle work-life balance?
I'm going to work for an IB next year. Feel challenged by the long hours~
Why did you choose part-time MBA program? I have been to several MBA
workshops. Many of the MBAs there think full-time is a better way.
Thanks!
Why did you choose part-time MBA program? I have been to several MBA
workshops. Many of the MBAs there think full-time is a better way.
Thanks!
interesting read! i really admire ppl who have such a definitive goal in life. for me, i always feel like there are so many different things that i want to try and i tend to get bored easily. i work in a consulting role at an accounting firm, and the most difficult thing for me is to fight with others to take on a leadership role, and i really think that's what it takes to move up in the organization. anyway, enjoyed your post so thought i'd leave a mark :)
Thank you, Yumeka.
I have somewhat a different view on this whole leadership thing. Is that correct that what you really meant was that your workplace is very competitive and you consistently need to put in a lot of effort to outshine your peers? I always believe that winning takes talent, but to repeat takes character. Leadership is a continuous process, not a stand-still stage. It comes naturally when we have gained sufficient respect from our subordinates, peers and superiors.
我得感谢fiercehhll 把这帖顶上来, lz mm写得真是太好了...
Thank you.
I can't believe that it has been almost a year since I wrote this post. Time flies when we are having fun :)