DW Consulting

A trend is emerging for Financial people to become more involved in companies.  Work on getting the whole picture away from offices by rolling up sleeves and participating with "hands on" activities with the rest of the company. Develop an understanding of what is going in the company and be a contributor with the rest of the company: Attend meetings.  Talk with shipping personnel. Participate with customer calls.  Look inside that shipment of goods. Walk around the company.

This may be uncomfortable at first by stepping outside the "normal accounting box", get acquainted of processes hands on.  By participating during the process, people will appreciate the numbers expertise to get on track to sales growth. Help with finding simple solutions when questions arise in the beginning. 

An additional note, this is not just for management, the accounting staff needs to have an active role with the rest of the company.  

This works with all industries and it is amazing to see these people visible.  On a recent trip, I saw the Resort Hotel General Manger walking around the property every morning (and throughout the day).  The staff knew him and worked together as a team, yet friendly, personable, and helpful .... and the hotel has been identified as one of the best places to work.

A great article, Be the Face of the Company by Ben Paramore, in Beyond Beans, December 3, 2009.