Why You Should Be Shadowing Your More Experienced Coworkers
With the rise of remote work across the accounting industry, some of the more traditional learning techniques have slowly disappeared from the normal workday. When I started working in 2017 in audit, I was able to go to lunch with the partner and the client’s CEO, listen to a meeting that my manager was having with the CFO, and follow along behind my senior for the work I needed to complete, all in a single day. While there are many advantages to working remotely, not many companies put in the effort to replace these in-person learning experiences. Today, I’m going to share with you one of the most effective ways to boost your career in the digital age - shadowing your coworkers. Let’s get started!
What is Shadowing a Coworker?
Shadowing at work involves observing and learning from a more experienced colleague or mentor as they perform their tasks, duties, and responsibilities. Essentially, it's a learning technique that lets you gain insights into real-world scenarios, decision-making processes, and the execution of various tasks by watching a seasoned professional in action. Shadowing can be done in-person or remotely, so long as it is done deliberately with the more senior employee taking the time to walk through their thought process.
Why is Shadowing an Effective Learning Tool?
Practical Application of Knowledge: While formal education provides a strong foundation, shadowing bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Witnessing how theoretical concepts translate into actual workplace tasks provides invaluable context that textbooks can't fully capture.
Real-world Scenarios: The world of finance and accounting is complex and often presents situations that aren't covered in textbooks. Shadowing exposes you to a range of scenarios, from client interactions to complex financial analyses, enabling you to build problem-solving skills that are crucial in a professional setting.
Decision-making Insights: Witnessing experienced professionals make decisions in real time offers a unique perspective on the considerations, risks, and benefits involved. This insight can be transformative in developing your own decision-making abilities as you progress in your career.
Effective Communication: Communication is a cornerstone of the accounting profession, whether you're presenting financial data to clients or collaborating within your team. Shadowing helps you observe how seasoned professionals navigate conversations, explain complex concepts, and present findings effectively.
Hands-on Learning: Shadowing allows you to gradually take on more responsibilities under the guidance of a mentor. This hands-on learning approach helps build your confidence and competence in performing tasks autonomously.
How Can I Make the Most of My Shadowing Opportunities?
Actively Observe & Take Notes: While shadowing, actively observe and ask questions. Take notes on the decision-making process, methodologies used, and effective communication strategies.
Openly Communicate: Establish open communication with your mentor or colleague. Express your desire to learn and ask for feedback on your observations and contributions.
Set Goals: Identify specific skills or knowledge areas you aim to acquire through shadowing. This will help you stay focused and track your progress.
Most importantly, thank your mentor for their time and efforts! Having to explain a process as it is being performed isn’t easy or natural for most people. Because shadowing is such an underutilized but powerful tool, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and request a shadowing opportunity so you can learn more from your coworkers. Embrace the opportunity and learn from it!