Coaches Corner

The Coach is back like he never left! Join Peter as he provides an update on where he's been and what he's been doing since our last episode a month ago.

DescriptionThis episode answers 7 key questions on delivering constructive feedback:What is constructive feedback?Why is constructive feedback important?Who delivers constructive feedback?When should you deliver constructive feedback?When does feedback become "destructive"?What does constructive feedback sound like?How can I deliver constructive feedback?Resourceshttps://online.champlain.edu/blog/giving-constructive-feedbackhttps://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/careers/soft-skills/constructive-feedback/https://www.valamis.com/hub/types-of-feedback#types-of-feedbackhttps://www.valamis.com/hub/constructive-feedbackhttps://blog.jostle.me/blog/constructive-feedback#difference-between-criticism-constructive-feedbackhttps://hr.tsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/givingeffectivefeedback.pdf

This episode focuses on music and its effect on productivity, including:Using music to block out distractionsEmployees' perceptions about music and productivityResearch on music and productivityHow to build the perfect work playlistResourceshttps://www.businessnewsdaily.com/11294-music-effect-on-productivity.htmlhttps://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200317-does-music-help-us-work-it-dependshttps://www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/tools-and-samples/exreq/Pages/Details.aspx?Erid=1385https://www.commercialcafe.com/blog/listening-music-work-can-improve-productivity/https://www.zenefits.com/workest/music-in-the-workplace/https://risepeople.com/blog/music-at-work-productivity/

In June 2022, the SEC announced a $100 million fine to Ernst & Young (EY), one of the "Big 4" accounting firms in the United States, for unethical conduct regarding their employees and the CPA exam. In this episode, we dive deeper into the situation, how it occurred at EY, and what we at UHY can do to prevent something like this happening in the future.Referenceshttps://www.npr.org/2022/06/28/1108044858/accounting-giant-ernst-young-admits-its-employees-cheated-on-ethics-examshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/06/28/ernst-young-cheating-sec-fine/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/28/business/ernst-young-sec-cheating.htmlhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/ey-paying-100-million-to-settle-probe-of-auditors-cheating-on-ethics-exams-11656410401https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2022-114https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2022/34-95167.pdf

For the first time as a firm, UHY is celebrating Juneteenth. This special episode explores the history of Juneteenth, it's importance in American history, and how you can celebrate it in your local community.Resourceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenthhttps://www.juneteenth.com/https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenthhttps://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-day-celebration.htmlhttps://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenthhttps://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/

Susan Orr, a Partner out of our UHY St. Louis office, stops by the Corner to talk more about kind leadership. We learn more about her career journey with UHY, what kind leadership means to her, who in her career is a kind leader and how they've impacted her development, and how every leader can practice kind leadership.

This episode is all about leadership...kind leadership! Specifically, we'll talk about:Why kind leadership is importantHow kind leaders actWhat you can do to demonstrate kind leadershipResourceshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/kindness-in-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leaderhttps://hbr.org/2021/05/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-kindness-at-workhttps://www.accountingtoday.com/list/4-ways-to-cultivate-a-positive-firm-culturehttps://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/why-its-important-to-thank-your-team

Happy end of busy season! We ran back our interview with Jim Skrobosinski last year where we discussed what to do at the end of a long busy season to get some well-deserved rest and recovery.Note: some parts of this episode refer to past regulations and guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic that are no longer in place.

On this episode we discuss mindfulness, including:What mindfulness isWhy it's so important in the accounting/consulting professionHow you can be more mindful throughout your dayResourceshttps://www.journalofaccountancy.com/newsletters/2019/jan/accountants-mindfulness.htmlhttps://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/marriottstudentreview/vol3/iss4/37/https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/accountants-under-pressure-creating-a-more-mindful-workplacehttps://www.accountabilityresources.com/resource/mindfulness-and-meditation-for-accounting-professionals/

This episode focuses on the following elements of Impostor Syndrome:DefinitionIdentificationCharacteristicsCausesTypesCoping techniquesReferenceshttps://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2013/11/fraudhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/imposter-syndromehttps://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imposter-syndromehttps://www.themuse.com/advice/5-different-types-of-imposter-syndrome-and-5-ways-to-battle-each-one

DescriptionHave you noticed that, even with the decline of COVID-19 in the US, we're still meeting virtually rather than in person? This episode will help us brush up on our virtual presence, including:The importance of a strong virtual presenceThe 5 elements of virtual presence and how to improve themAppearanceLightingCameraBackgroundSoundReferenceshttps://www.elegantthemes.com/blog/business/how-to-look-good-on-zoom-what-to-wear-and-where-to-sithttps://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/04/11/zoom-meetings-go-better-these-6-tips-look-your-best/5125980002/https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/how-to-look-professional-on-zoom-video-calls/https://remotebliss.com/how-to-look-good-on-zoom/https://www.theprintablepair.com/how-to-look-more-professional-on-your-zoom-calls/https://www.seattletimes.com/life/how-to-look-good-on-zoom-basic-tips-that-will-help-you-appear-more-professional-while-video-conferencing/

The Coach is back to discuss the importance of collaboration, including:The benefits of collaborationHow to develop a culture of collaborationHow to avoid collaboration killersHow to improve meeting efficiencyTo learn more about this episode, be sure to check out the "4 Benefits of Collaboration" course in the Coach Recommends catalog of UHY University.

We round out the busy season preparation with a focus on physical and mental health, including:How busy season impacts physical & mental healthImportance of strong physical and mental healthStaying physically healthyStaying mentally healthyReferenceshttps://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2020/jan/managing-stress-at-work.htmlhttps://aicpa.pcps.org/news/health-wars-dark-side-busy-seasonhttps://blog.aicpa.org/2017/03/4-simple-ways-to-squeeze-in-exercise-during-busy-season.html#sthash.NZD47J2O.dpbshttps://thriveglobal.com/stories/stressed-accountants-the-mental-health-impact-as-practices-adapt-to-a-new-reality/

Is it possible to have work-life balance during busy season? Yes! This episode focuses on:What is meant by "work-life balance"How to find balance during busy seasonReframing busy season as just that - a "season"Referenceshttps://www.intuitiveaccountant.com/in-the-news/people-and-business/how-to-maintain-your-work-life-balance-during-busy-season/http://www.iuwib.com/blog/2018/10/8/the-truth-about-work-life-balance-at-a-big-fourFrom <https://www.fastcompany.com/3057493/what

Welcome to Season 2 of the Coaches Corner! In this week's episode, we talk about overcoming barriers to time management as you head in to busy season, including:Handling incoming phone callsManaging interruptions throughout your workdayCreating a plan to complete your workSetting boundaries with your clients on when you are available to helpIf you'd like to learn more, be sure to check out the Overcoming Barriers to Time Management course on UHY University.

Season finale: as we close out 2021 and prepare for 2022, it's time we revisit goal setting. In this episode, we discuss:The history of SMART goal setting.The SMARTER goal setting method.How to achieve your SMARTER goals.After you listen to the episode, be sure to check out the Get SMARTER with Goals course inside UHY University. You can use this link or find it in The Coach Recommends course catalog inside UHY University.We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season. We'll see you in 2022!

This week's episode is all about gratitude. We'll look at three articles that discuss:How to foster a culture of gratitudeUsing the two most important words: thank youGiving a meaningful "thank you"After listening to the episode, be sure to check out the Gratitude course inside UHY University to read each article in-depth.

This week, we look at some of the principles David Allen discusses in his book "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity". David sat down for an interview and talked about how to:Simplify your tasksManage your actionsMaintain a work-life balanceIf you'd like to learn more, follow this link to enroll into the course inside UHY University.

This week's episode focuses on bottom-line email communication. Specifically, we'll talk about:What it means to bottom-line your messageThe five (5) questions to help you bottom-line your messageThe benefits of bottom-lining your messageAfter you listen to this episode, be sure to check out the E-Learning Get to the Point: Bottom Line Your Message in the Coach Recommends catalog of UHY University.

We're back like we never left and with a new format! Moving forward, episodes of the Coaches Corner will release weekly with a focus on specific soft skill courses from UHY University. Each week, we'll review a specific course available inside UHY University and discuss its key points.On today’s episode, we learn how to organize our e-mail and increase our productivity, specifically:How to create a productive environmentTools to maintain your inboxHow to maintain your newly organized inboxCreate a to-do list that actually worksAfter listening to the episode, be sure to check out the Organize E-Mail and Increase Productivity course inside UHY University. You can find it under “The Coach Recommends” catalog inside The U.