Make sure you stand for something: BDO’s Steven Sorbello

After the year that was 2020, it’s tempting to think you need to ‘reinvent the wheel’. Not so according to BDO’s Steven Sorbello

We often ask people not to dwell on the past, however after more than one year as office managing partner of BDO in Brisbane some focused reflection is well worthwhile.

It is fair to say that last year did not go as expected.

Everyone was thrown curve balls and yet something consistently shone through – the value of focus and standing for something.

When challenges come our way, having a constant focus for our team to hone in on and work towards is an important stabiliser and makes us all realise what is important to the team and importantly to our clients.

At BDO, our focus is the opportunities that we can create for our team and the exceptional service and advocacy we can deliver to our clients.

This has always been our mandate so it was no surprise that our team seized the opportunities and our clients wanted us by their side more than ever this past year.

The true value of this approach is that it easily translates across organisational size, type and sector. BDO has seen this first-hand through our partnership with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO).

The QSO bore the brunt of the Covid-19 lockdown, with shows cancelled and arts venues closed but it did not sit around and wait for solutions.

The QSO focused on what it does best – perform inspiring music to entertain Queenslanders. It adapted its delivery methods and formats for performances.

Like all good businesses the QSO has incorporated new learnings into its operations and has now attracted a whole new audience to nurture.

Being a leader is like conducting an orchestra. Leaders are ‘conductors’, ensuring everyone is in the right seat with their instruments finely tuned and ready to perform, together.

Leaders make sure that the team stands for something and stands together.

If not, the music will be out of tune, and no one wants to listen to that!

After the year that was 2020, it’s tempting to think you need to ‘reinvent the wheel’.

Our view is that while we have learned a lot and continue to make some very useful changes, the fundamental things that our team and clients rely on have not changed.

There is significant value in staying true to and being focused on delivering for others.

Make your focus known, bring your people along for the journey and be open and transparent with them.

Together you can then navigate and evolve with the ever-changing landscape we find ourselves in.

Steven Sorbello is the office managing partner in Brisbane at accounting and advisory firm, BDO.