Forward Looking Business Training

  “When a leader allows select people to do what they please versus following the rules, they destroy their credibility, and others will no longer follow. Furthermore, when there are no consequences for actions, the message sent is the behaviour is acceptable.” “But that’s the problem Isaac, this guy favours these two, and they get away with whatever they want.” “Maybe your boss needs some help in the leadership area Melissa.” “I don’t think it will do any good Isaac, I think some people are the way they are, and there is nothing you can do.” “Well sometimes that might be true, but maybe he doesn’t realize the implications of his actions, and just needs some guidance.” You may be the best Electrician, Plumber, Accountant, or Lawyer, but Leadership is not something you learn in trade-school, it is a skill you acquire through a combination of life experience influenced by your character. In our upcoming Forward Looking Guide: Lead by Example, we will look at the difference between Le...

“You mentioned you were interested in contracting Melissa.” “Yes, I looked at is as a cross between law and accounting.” “Well, technically contracting is not an accounting function, but it has been my experience, that accountants often get very involved in that portfolio. For example, when I worked in government, we had contracting specialists, but they were part of the accounting division. Not all departments worked this way though.” “So, you have experience with contracting Isaac?” “We had specialists, but I was very much involved, so I would have to say yes; in fact, it was probably the most intriguing part of my job.” “I read the story about the misplaced comma that cost a company over two- millions dollars Isaac, and I was hooked.” Isaac Laughs. “I showed that story to three different lawyers Melissa, and they each scratched their heads.” “Do you remember all of the elements of a contract Isaac?” “Oh yes, and my favorite being capacity.” “Why! Are you lacking it?” Isaac and Melis...

 “Good morning Mr. Isaac.” “Buenos días Diego.” Isaac has just stepped out of the bar and ran into an acquaintance. “Where are you off to in such a hurry señor?” “The electricity went out last night Diego, and all of my ice cubes have melted.” Diego is a local merchant, who runs a small store in the town centre where he sells memorabilia to tourists. “Oh, I see, I think it was out all over last night, so everyone will be in the same predicament.” “Everyone back home would have a back-up plan like a generator, because they can’t go an hour without their television.” The two men laugh. “Yes, Mr. Isaac, but ice cubes are very important for a bar, so you should have a back-up plan.” In our era of technology, we sometimes find ourselves bogged down with the ‘how’ versus the ‘what.’ We have moved from paperbacks to ebooks, make notes in our phones versus a book and pen, rely on banks cards versus carrying cash, and even use an app on our phone to buy a cup of coffee. And then the battery...

 “Contingency Plans come in many types; these include having back-up power so that your plant can continue functioning during a power outage, auxiliary power units and nightly back-ups of computers, insurance polices, and alternate locations for operating your business after a fire or flood.” “Yes, they talk about Business Continuity Plans in school.” “That’s correct Melissa, and these plans can be relatively simple, or quite complex, depending on the organization, and its needs.” “Like a rescue?” “Absolutely, your guides carry personal locators, we have an arrangement with the helicopter company including training with them, and we have a quick and efficient system for mustering our volunteers.” “Thanks Isaac.” “Speaking of contingencies, did you buy travel medical insurance Melissa.” “Of course Isaac, I’m an accountant.” “I remember a time many years ago, it was 1999, and the world was in a panic over the year turning to 2000.” “Why was that a problem?” Isaac laughs. “The world w...

    “Integration folks, integration. That is where people from all walks of life work together to achieve a sustainable society.” “This is getting a little philosophical Isaac.” “You’re right Carter, it is, but think about it, if we were all doctors, who would build the equipment in the operating room, who would ensure the lights stay lit, and who would ensure we had enough hot water to wash our hands after?” “Yeah, okay.” “Carter, we all need to work together, and this includes accountants who are there to help everyone do their part.” “Wow?” “You look at salesmen, the Marketing guys drove us nuts in College.” “Yeah, same.” “But Jake, if we can’t sell the products we make, there will be no one to buy them, and we will have accomplished nothing.” “They need a class on this.” “Let me tell you a true story.”   “I was working for a company that built drilling rigs, the big ones that drill for oil, gas, and even ones that drill for water. We had engineers, welders, millwrig...

On a summer night in 1986, I experienced an event that shaped the foundation of what Forward Looking Solutions is all about.   At the age of twenty, having served as a volunteer fire-fighter for just under two years, and already achieving the rank of Captain, I experience a leadership role that will remain in my mind forever. We were called to attend a dormitory fire at a private school, and when I arrived at the hall, I discovered that due to regular work commitments of our Chief and Deputy, I would be in charge of this incident. A big part of the job of a firefighter is Contingency Planning; we were familiar with most commercial establishments, and knew where our closest water source was for each address in our area, including inspecting and flushing regularly. We also knew which of our neighbouring departments to call for assistance depending on location.  Two things ran through my mind as I stepped into the command seat of the first truck, and no, one of these was not ‘thi...