By Stacie Clifford Kitts, CPA

This post is for all my fans, subscribers, friends, family, and Tweeps with CPA after their name. I have to say, I’m lovin this post by Michelle Baco over at Convergence Coaching Busy Season Survival Strategies. She pretty much agrees with what I have griped about for years. That is, it’s time to treat our staff like the inventory they are. Fact is folks, without staff you wouldn’t have anything to sell. Moreover, if your inventory becomes defective from say overwork and little praise, your practice just might do some sufferin too. Frankly, if you find that you are turning over entire departments of staff on an annual basis, you might want to consider how you are regarding your inventory.

Personally, there have been times when I have felt like busy season provided some of the most stressful experiences of my life. Although I admit a hostage situation or maybe a sinking cruise ship might be a tad more stressful, when you are bumping against a significant filing deadline, a partner is flipping out, or staff are threatening to revolt, it sure is hard to imagine how that hostage thing could be worse.

Annnywaaay – Getting back to Michelle’s post, I must say that I particularly like the “resting room” idea….Honestly; I asked about setting up one of those years ago when I was still working for the man. However, the idea got this response – “are you kidding?”

Well no, it just seemed like a good idea, spend like 12 hours sometimes more at the office, might want to take a little nap. Duh 

Nevertheless, you should know, the raised eyebrows didn’t foil me. No sir – My solution – bring in large throw pillows and crash out on the floor in my office. I also allowed staff to snatch up those same pillows, assuming I wasn’t already using them, and crash out wherever it suited them.. Ha, I was such a rebel.

If you would like to read more about some really good ideas to relieve the stress of busy season, be sure to check out Michelle’s post. And if you feel like raising your eyebrows at some of her ideas, then might I suggest that you pull yourself out of the 80’s and join the rest of us right here in the real world.