Ability, affability and availability
December 04, 2023
By Kyle Walters
There's an old saying in the medical profession: "To be an excellent doctor, you must have three things: availability, affability and ability (in that order)." A doctor's technical ability is actually the least important of the three attributes. Why? Because if you're not someone that patients feel comfortable confiding in, and if you're not available for them, it doesn't matter how much technical skill and charm you have; you're not a great doctor if you're not available.
For accountants and other professional service providers, the focus has been on getting the work done right (ability), with a general disregard for affability and availability. In the future, however, that won't be enough.
All professionals should understand that technical ability is implied and required. As CPAs and professional service providers, clients assume you can get the work done — and do so on time and in a professional manner. They assume the numbers are correct. Ability alone will not help you stand out. That's table stakes.