A lesson I learned early and still apply to my advantage (and, of course, in the service of others.)
Always volunteer to take the minutes of meetings, and to do the first drafts of proposed initiatives or reports. Not only will you get credit for volunteering to do things on behalf of others, but you get control of what's recorded. You are now part of the decision-making process. He or she who writes the history gets to make history.
Educated in Toowoomba, Richard Wood commenced his career establishing his own practice in March 1996. With an entrepreneurial spirit and vision as Managing Partner, he has developed and guided Vistage Corporate Advisory to where it is today.
Unlike traditional accountants, Richard (pictured above) does not position himself as external to his clients' businesses. Where possible, he becomes a part of the client -- knowing as much about their operations and corporate and marketing challenges as possible.
This provides a sound foundation from which to develop financial and accountancy strategies which are tailored to meet their individual requirements. Importantly, it also allows Richard to identify business opportunities for his clients on a progressive basis, and combat any commercial threats before they take effect.
Richard has extensive financing and joint venture experience. As a majority shareholder and director of a number of private companies, he is keenly aware of the need to monitor unit-based profitability and to implement sophisticated financial management systems.
A deep thinker, passionate about the potential that lies within individuals and their businesses, Richard has been instrumental in creating opportunities that have inspired success for his clients, colleagues and peers.
A proven entrepreneur now focused on working with other entrepreneurs, Richard's commercial experience and business nous has led him to develop a distinctive suite of financial management solutions and products; including Optimist. He is driven to generate positive growth and wealth for his clients by focusing on activity based financial information, shareholder value and the true story behind the finance information that is generated. He has been influential in achieving significant results for his clients and their businesses, using strategic vision, big picture analysis, consistent monitoring and mentoring systems.
Richard believes that when business owners start to fear growth it is due to uncertainty. Unlocking these uncertainties and providing a clear platform for change recreates hope and the confidence to grow. Clear vision helps clear thinking. By relating activity to financial outcomes, he has the ability to provide a whole new way of thinking about strategy to drive financial performance.
Richard is a connected and valued strategic advisor to his clients and is driven to ensure he can empower them with peace of mind, confidence to grow and banker confidence.
Qualifications & Memberships
> Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
> Bachelor of Laws (Banking & Finance)
> Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants
> Member, Institute of Management
> Member, Institute of Corporate Managers, Secretaries and Administrators
> Member, Australian Institute of Certified Practising Accountants
> Member, Institute of Company Directors
4 comments:
I had a colleague once who took this a stage further: he claimed that he would write the minutes before the meeting.
In fact, I suspect he never did, bit the point he was making is a good one.
He never had a meeting that he did not plan meticulously, to the extent that he could predict which participants would object to or support which proposed courses of action.
The result is that he is extremely successful in his field.
Perhaps making history involves writing it in advance.
Yes, yes, and yes.
This is excelent advice, Richard.
Thanks for sharing with those lucky enough to read this post!
Eric
I used to run a Program Office inside of a publishing company.
This was something I asked every Project Manager on my team to do for the same reason.
It has to do with inertia -- when you are the one taking the action, inertia is on your side.
When someone else takes an action you (if needed) must fight/ overcome the inertia they put into motion.
About inertia: http://managetochange.typepad.com/main/2006/03/the_power_of_in.html
Absolutely agree with your last sentence.
Only people who write history can make it.
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