Do managers in your firm actually manage people? Have they been taught management skills? How much time do they spend managing people, or are their primary responsibilities managing client projects and meeting chargeable time goals? Sadly, managing people has become an afterthought, and it mostly occurs when crises arise. The focus remains on client projects and chargeable hours.
really hits home. See:
http://www.boomer.com/library/boomer-bulletin/2008/mar/Management---A-Key-to-Retention.html
I believe the managers in CPA firms are too focused on managing the jobs and the work, and not focused enough on the team members. As we find ourselves looking for those hard to find experienced staff level accountants, we probably aren't spending enough time developing them ourselves. We really need to focus on this more, and make sure that the goals and compensation plans for our managers include this key component.
