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■ Accounting
LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

■ Accounting

Continued From Page 15 where our associates have a sense of purpose and belonging . We do this through :
◾ Our College Ambassador Program , which has cultivated a presence at local colleges and universities ; we actively participate in outreach programs ; with Gen Z associates now teaching as adjunct professors .
◾ Our partnership with the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants ( NJCPA ), which has provided us with the opportunity to work with High School educators to raise awareness about the CPA profession .
◾ Our commitment to emerging technologies – to enhance accounting practices and attract Next Gen associates .
◾ Our culture and beliefs aligned with our associate ’ s values , with an emphasis on a healthy work environment and flexibility .
◾ The key is to build trust and provide clear career opportunities for our associates . We encourage personal development and support education beyond credentials allowing them to grow professionally and personally .
Firm leaders must understand the new generation of professionals and recognize their expectations and potential impact , which may well be a key ingredient in the success and sustainability of their firm !
Understanding the ideals , goals and expectations is important in hiring and retaining young employees . They are very engaged in social issues and DEI .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / PeopleImages

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

First Impressions Matter

By Steve Adubato , PhD Freelance Contributor
You never get a second chance to make a first impression . Those words are truer today than ever before . Consider some of the keys to making a positive first impression .
◾ Camera on . If you are communicating in a virtual setting , it is nearly impossible to make a good first impression if the other person cannot see you . If your camera is off , the message being received by your audience is that you aren ’ t confident enough in you or your message to be seen .
◾ Stand tall . Your posture says a lot about your overall energy , confidence , and intention . If you are slumped over in your chair , you are sending the non-verbal message that you are tired ,
disinterested , or potentially bored , even if you are none of these things .
◾ Smile . The power of a smile cannot be under estimated . A warm , natural smile communicates that you are friendly , approachable , and happy to be there having a conversation with that person or audience .
◾ Genuine interest in other people . People often feel good about other people they meet for the first time , when the person they are meeting makes them feel good about themselves . Positive first impressions are made by people who ask questions of others to show interest and concern .
◾ Eye contact . Our eyes can communicate something beyond our words . They can show emotions such as fear , happiness , and uncertainty , so are one of the major factors in someone ’ s first impression of us .
◾ Positive and upbeat attitude . No one wants to be around people with a negative or cranky attitude . Having a positive attitude communicates that you can deal with just about anything that
happens and helps to ensure that your message is more positively received .
Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books including , “ Lessons in Leadership .” His sixth book , “ Lessons in Leadership 2.0 : The Tough Stuff ,” will be released in summer 2023 . He is an Emmy ® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS . He has also appeared on CNN , NPR and NBC ’ s Today Show . Steve Adubato ' s “ Lessons in Leadership ” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10:00 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit www . Stand-Deliver . com
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / VioletaStoimenova