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Jump Higher

Christopher Geier

Dec 3 2019

2 min read

A training mindset can turn change to your advantage

When I was a boy, I wanted to jump like a cat. So, I went out to my family’s shed, pulled out the ladder and climbed up. I tied a string around one of the rafters. I climbed back down, stood beneath the string and looked up.

There in the shed, I began to jump—batting at the string each time.

I kept up my practice sessions until one day I touched the string. I touched it a few more times. Then I climbed the ladder again, took out my pocket knife and cut the string shorter.

As technology disrupts our clients’ businesses and even our own, I’ve found myself reflecting on that experience with the string. Yes, it’s important to challenge yourself. Setting goals, pushing boundaries, plunging yourself into unfamiliar territory—all these are disquieting, but necessary, steps on the path of personal development.

But what I hadn’t thought of as a boy in that shed, is that change wouldn’t always be my choice to make. Things that I thought were going to happen didn’t. Things that I never would have imagined happening actually did. It’s important to have a plan. But it’s just as important to understand that sometimes, for reasons often beyond your control, it will become necessary to pivot from that plan.

For client services professionals, the lesson is to stay in training. You might not always succeed. The conditions won’t always be right. But more often than not, you’ll surprise yourself. You’ll learn that new software application. You’ll build that marketing plan. You’ll call that company, the one where you have no contacts, because it would be a great client for the firm. And you’ll solve that tough problem for your client—not because you know the answer, but because you know you’ll find out.

A training mindset helps you embrace change. More significantly, however, it helps you adapt to the changes that embrace you. You may never become comfortable with ambiguity, but if you stay in training, you can find ways to cope with it—and even turn it to an advantage. Either way, one day you’ll look up and be struck by a realization. You can jump higher than you ever thought possible.

This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.

About the Author

Christopher Geier

Christopher Geier is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sikich, a leading global technology-enabled professional services company. Under his visionary leadership, Sikich has achieved significant growth, expanded into new markets and diversified its service offerings. Christopher is known for his innovative approach to building high-performing teams and a commitment to exceptional client service. He has been recognized for successfully navigating rapidly evolving business environments and was named Managing Partner Elite by Accounting Today for his transformative leadership, despite not holding a CPA designation. For more than 30 years, Christopher has held leadership roles in domestic and international private and public companies and founded two businesses focused on distressed companies, M&A and capital markets advisory. His diverse background also includes time in law enforcement, private equity, business turnarounds and management consulting. In addition to leading Sikich’s strategic and financial direction, Christopher is responsible for large mergers and acquisitions and serves as Chairman of the Board of Managers. He frequently shares his insights and experiences on leadership and the future of professional services through various platforms, including his blog "Lessons from Leadership.” He holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Washington State University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.