Jun 28th 2021 PMI Insights

Navigating the dynamics of change can be a challenge for accounting firms. Employees may become anxious or resistant or even actively oppose new processes and technologies. Yet change is not optional. In CPA firms today, remaining stagnant is a recipe for extinction.

So how can you help your team embrace change?

Understand That Change Is a Process, Not an Event
Firmwide change doesn't happen simply because you made an announcement, invited people to a training session or scheduled a go-live date.

According to the Project Management Institute, when people experience change, they move through a three-step process:
Current state. What they currently know and do, including processes, tools, behaviors, technologies, organizational structures and roles. All of these elements might not be working great, but they're familiar and comfortable.

Transition state. This can be an emotionally charged time, and people may feel fear, anxiety and even anger. Productivity declines as people learn new processes, technologies and behaviors.

Future state. At this point, people achieve a new way of performing their work.Think about this the next time you undergo a process improvement and technology initiative in your firm and address how you will bridge the gap between the current state (where you are) and the future state (where you want to be).

Listen to People and Get Their Input
People feel more excited about change if they have a say in it.

According to Gallup, only three in 10 U.S. employees strongly agree that their opinions count at work, and organizational change is one area in particular where people feel left out.

Your people are a goldmine of information. Ask for feedback frequently, listen to what they have to say, and take action based on their input. People tend to be more open to change when they've participated in the decision-making process.
Connect Change to Individual Goals
Getting buy-in for change requires an answer to the question "Why?" When you answer this question, people are better prepared to fight their natural instinct to resist change.

What individual goals do the changes you're making help people work toward? Will new processes improve efficiency, reduce overtime during busy season and provide better work/life balance? Will new technologies and automation create people's capacity to work on higher-level work and help them level up in their careers?

In a TED talk, organizational change expert Jim Hemerling explains that people usually think positively about personal transformation and are more driven to accomplish personal goals. Instead of focusing on the firm's bottom line, show them how meeting the firm's goals will help them achieve their personal and professional goals. This will put more energy behind the initiative.

Firm leaders have a responsibility to lead others through change. Employ these three steps, and you'll enjoy more emotional buy-in and cooperation for the changes you want and need to make in your firm.

Cedrick has been a PMI member for the past nine months; after obtaining his PMP, he decided it was time to give back and, in March of this year, started volunteering with the Phoenix Chapter.   

I had the pleasure of conversing with Cedrick Woodard and quickly learned that he is challenging to read from a first impression and guards his words carefully but embraces lifelong learning. Associates regard him as always reliable and a natural leader. If you establish a rapport with him, you quickly realize he is deeply passionate about providing socioeconomically disadvantaged communities and folks opportunities to obtain sustainable wealth and education (in perpetuity). 

Cedrick’s words of wisdom, “ you need to learn, learn to be humble, how to network to get the resources to make a solution happen. Network to be better and share your strengths and talents with others. If you are not ready to learn, you are not ready to live. Share the story, and the process will make you better.” 

He established and volunteered for over seven years with Paideia Kids Program, designed to strengthen the community stewardship ethic and deepen learning through volunteerism and civic involvement. Cedrick’s focus was on the program that serves youths from K-12 and adults 18 and older. Services were offered to all ethnicities, with the understanding that certain minority groups are predisposed to certain health conditions due to lack of physical activity, poor dietary habits, and lack of health education. The program targets community members of all ethnicities and age groups underperforming in those categories and others. The program emphasized lifelong health disease conditions caused by poor eating, an adverse impact on families and society, and a lack of access to affordable, healthful foods. In strengthening our communities, we help address and reiterate advocacy, community impact, community need, community partnerships, diversity, sustainability, student achievement, youth voice, and reflection. 

Cedrick Woodard’s advice to others who are thinking about volunteering with the chapter is, “embrace the opportunity to sacrifice and use the opportunity to network. Use your resources and strengths to make a difference in human life.” Do not be selfish; treat people how you want to be treated. Cedrick has a healthy respect for fearless people and for doing what they say they will do. 

If your paths cross, take a moment to get to know Cedrick. You might leave the conversation with a changed outlook on what you can give to the world if you only share yourself in solving a problem for your community. 

The VP of Programs, Christopher Gentry, the VP of Membership, John Choate and the VP of External Relations, Deniese Reinhardt were the interactive panelists addressing student questions.

The session offered glimpses into PMI membership both internationally and locally in our community. Resources for educational certification, professional development units and youth education programs through PMIEF. Links to seminars, and  the chapter webinar library.

PMI Global membership consists of more than 700k members internationally. The Phoenix Chapter serves the state of Arizona outside of Tucson which is served by the Tucson Chapter so members can make a difference in their community.

If you would like to listen to the audio presentation recording, members can send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.