“you don’t get to choose the leader you need to be. your people tell you who you need to be to get the best out of them.”
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accounting influencers
with rob brown
leadership is in the spotlight like never before. in a recent episode of the accounting influencers podcast, global leadership expert mark fritz shares his insights on how leaders can navigate today’s complex environment. fritz emphasizes that the core principles of leadership remain timeless, but their application must adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the modern world.
drawing from his early career implementing enterprise systems globally, fritz highlights how his international experience shaped his understanding of business operations and leadership dynamics. “the principles of leadership are universal,” he explains. “but the key is adapting them to the specific needs of your people.”
fritz underscores that effective leaders must evolve based on the situation. “your people tell you who you need to be to get the best out of them,” he notes, stressing the importance of flexibility and understanding diverse team dynamics.
fritz observes that the pandemic exposed the strengths and weaknesses of leadership approaches. “old-school leaders struggled with remote work, focusing too much on tracking activities rather than outcomes,” he says. this shift has amplified the need for leaders to build trust, communicate effectively, and foster collaboration across virtual teams.
he shares practical advice for cultivating a strong remote work culture, including creating informal connections and encouraging meaningful conversations. “companies that prioritize informal links have stronger cultures,” fritz says, highlighting the value of interpersonal rapport in a dispersed work environment.
discussing the concept of ownership in leadership, fritz advocates for leaders to delegate outcomes, not just tasks. “if people only own the activity, they’re doing it for you,” he explains. “when they own the achievement, they also own the problems in the way of achieving it.”
he also emphasizes the importance of strategic patience, a skill he believes leaders must develop. “the best leaders want everything done yesterday, but they need to pause, listen, and ensure their people feel confident and supported,” he says. “it’s about listening at the right times.”
fritz expresses optimism about the future of leadership, provided that organizations invest in more than just training. he calls for a shift toward mentoring and peer coaching, sharing his approach of pairing leaders to discuss their takeaways and action plans. “if we help each other, we can grow leadership skills much faster,” he says.
with accountants increasingly stepping into trusted advisory roles, fritz emphasizes the importance of balancing technical expertise with leadership development. “it’s not about knowing everything,” he states. “it’s about knowing who knows and focusing on the top priorities that drive progress.”
“leadership is about creating context, listening, and helping others own their success,” fritz explains. his insights offer a compelling guide for leaders navigating the complexities of today’s fast-paced, remote, and interconnected world.
11 key takeaways
- effective leaders adapt their approach based on the needs of their people and situations. leadership is not one-size-fits-all; it evolves with the environment, team dynamics, and challenges faced.
- leaders build trust by delegating outcomes, not just tasks, and by listening to their people. trust allows leaders to step back from micromanagement and focus on strategic goals.
- when team members take ownership of outcomes, they’re more invested in problem-solving and achieving success. leaders should empower their teams by focusing on goals rather than dictating activities.
- leaders provide the framework for their teams to work effectively. by setting clear goals and aligning team efforts with a larger vision, leaders ensure that everyone understands the purpose of their work.
- leaders often want immediate results, but true success comes from listening to and supporting their people at the right moments. strategic patience builds confidence and fosters long-term growth.
- in remote environments, building culture requires intentional efforts to maintain informal communication and foster connections. leaders should act as matchmakers, encouraging collaboration beyond formal meetings.
- leaders learn and build trust by asking insightful questions and allowing their team to talk. the best leaders guide conversations through thoughtful inquiry, not by dominating the dialogue.
- leaders must stay out of the operational “how” and instead concentrate on defining the direction (what) and purpose (why). this clarity allows teams to take ownership of execution.
- even the most accomplished leaders experience self-doubt. confidence grows from taking action, making progress, and focusing on achievable steps.
- becoming a better leader is not a one-time achievement. continuous learning, mentoring, and peer coaching are vital to sustained growth. leaders should regularly remind themselves of key principles to stay consistent.
- in professional services, clients remember the experience of working with you more than the technical advice you provide. leaders should focus on creating a positive, impactful experience for their teams and clients.